Is the U.S.-South Korea Alliance Fracturing? Lee Jae-myung Acknowledges It: Avoiding 'Great Power Dependence,' Upholding Independent Autonomy
A recent statement by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has brought to the forefront a topic long debated in international circles: potential rifts within the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
On Tuesday, during a cabinet meeting, Lee emphasized that South Korea’s foreign policy must be grounded in national interest, warning against "great power dependence."
The term "great power dependence" originates from Confucian diplomatic thought, referring to smaller states relying on larger powers for survival. For much of its history, the Joseon Dynasty practiced this approach in its relations with China.
Following the Korean War, the formation of the U.S.-South Korea alliance led to an informal continuation of this dynamic, with South Korea increasingly aligning itself with American strategic interests. Now, Lee explicitly calls for breaking from this tradition, advocating a pragmatic foreign policy centered on national interest and underscoring South Korea’s status as an independent actor—an implicit acknowledgment of strain within the alliance.
Even South Korean media widely interpret the remarks as a response to growing tensions between Washington and Seoul. These tensions manifest across multiple domains. A direct example is Lee’s firm rejection of deploying troops to the Strait of Hormuz—a decision that has drawn public criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who repeatedly accused South Korea of failing to show gratitude for American support.
Beyond military coordination, intelligence cooperation has also shown signs of deterioration. According to reports from international outlets, senior officials from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service have been barred from attending U.S. conferences or visiting America, including a rejected application by Director Lee Jong-seok.
South Korea has strongly denied these claims, asserting that Lee Jong-seok had no such travel plans. However, persistent reporting and new revelations continue to emerge, prompting widespread skepticism about the health of the alliance.
In this context, Lee’s emphasis on “independent autonomy” serves as a de facto confirmation of mounting concerns. While acknowledging that South Korea cannot fully disentangle itself from U.S. security guarantees, his willingness to articulate this stance publicly marks a notable shift—demonstrating greater candor than his predecessors.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878925409600523/
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