The presidential office is coordinating the first direct call between President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Some suggest that the first c may take place on the 6th.
On the 5th, the presidential office is consulting with the U.S. side on the call schedule under the direction of Security Office Chief Wi Seong-rok. Earlier, there were predictions that a call would take place on the first day of President Lee’s inauguration, but it is said that several factors, including time differences, have led to a more relaxed approach.
The day before, Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung noted during an evening briefing that there is a time difference issue and that they are “still coordinating.”
The fact that the new government has launched without a transition committee also contributes to the many urgent matters President Lee needs to address.
After taking the oath of office at the National Assembly the day before, President Lee held a luncheon with the leaders of both parties and announced key appointments, including the prime minister candidate, in the afternoon. In the evening, he chaired a task force meeting on emergency economic inspections generated by the first executive order for 2 hours and 20 minutes.
On the morning of that day, President Lee also held his first cabinet meeting with those including Deputy Minister Wi in attendance, and the meeting continued as a “lunch box meeting.”
Given the many complex issues between the U.S. and South Korea, there are analyses suggesting that the presidential office is exercising caution by considering various scenarios more than usual.
The Trump administration had previously told trade negotiation counterparts to bring their best proposals by the 4th (local time), while pressuring allies to increase defense cost-sharing. The possibility of restructuring U.S. forces stationed in South Korea cannot be ruled out.
The White House unusually stated the day before that it remains concerned about and opposes Chinese interference and influence on democracies worldwide in relation to South Korea’s election results.
On the same day, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded affirmatively to a question regarding whether there was a response from the White House regarding the South Korean election results, saying, “Yes,” but stated that she could not find the relevant documents, indicating, “I do not have it, but I will get it for you.” Ultimately, the U.S. government’s response regarding the South Korean election did not come until the briefing was over.
This has led to speculation that the U.S. implicitly requested an ‘arm’s length’ approach from China toward the Lee Jae-myung government, which seeks practical diplomacy centered on national interests.
There are also suggestions that the first call between President Lee and President Trump may occur around the 6th.
Previously, former President Yoon Suk-yeol had a call with former President Joe Biden on the day of his election, while former President Moon Jae-in had a call with then-President Trump on the day of his inauguration.