South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the need for the country to prioritize its national interests in foreign policy while maintaining strong ties with the United States. In a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Lee acknowledged that disagreements between allies are inevitable but stressed the importance of addressing these differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
President Lee’s remarks come amid reported tensions between Seoul and Washington over issues such as intelligence-sharing arrangements and visa delays. These challenges have sparked domestic debate, with opposition politicians expressing concerns about the state of bilateral relations. Despite these tensions, Lee reaffirmed the centrality of the South Korea–United States alliance, urging that it should not be undermined by conflicting interests.
Highlighting the need for confident and sovereign diplomacy, Lee called for South Korea to manage disagreements with the United States without allowing them to detract from broader cooperation. He emphasized that while countries cannot always have identical interests, they should work collaboratively to manage disputes.
South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha also addressed the situation, acknowledging difficulties in securing high-level communication with the White House. However, she noted that discussions between relevant agencies had made progress on intelligence-related concerns.
Lee maintained that continued engagement is key to managing differences, stressing that the alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of South Korea’s diplomatic strategy. The government intends to protect national interests while strengthening ties with Washington and other major global powers.