The Presidential Office evaluated on the 17th (local time) that the attendance of President Lee Jae-myung at the Group of Seven (G7) summit was a success in terms of 'completely restoring South Korea's diplomatic presence' and 'a first step toward practical diplomacy centered on national interests.' President Lee met with the leaders of a total of 10 countries or organizations during this multilateral meeting, including Kishida Fumio, the Prime Minister of Japan. Having completed his 'diplomatic debut,' he is highly likely to attend the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit next week. If he participates in NATO, attention is focused on whether the canceled South Korea-U.S. summit will be realized.

President Lee Jae-myung and Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung attend a reception hosted by the Governor General of Canada for invited countries at the G7 Summit at a hotel in Calgary, Canada on the 16th (local time). /Courtesy of Yonhap News

◇Deputy Minister: 'The meaning of completely restoring diplomatic relations'

Deputy Minister Wi Seung-lak noted at a press center in Calgary, Canada, that "a message was impressed upon the international community that a democratic Korea has returned," stating that "most of the leaders he met this time highly appreciated the resilience of Korean democracy in overcoming the domestic political crisis." He also mentioned, "This signifies that South Korea's diplomatic efforts have been completely restored," adding, "In just ten days after taking office, the President met with leaders of major countries leading the international community, fostering relationships, and discussing measures to enhance cooperation at the leadership level, eliminating the diplomatic vacuum that had persisted for the past six months."

Deputy Minister Wi stated, "President Lee demonstrated his unique affinity and humor to facilitate casual conversations several times," mentioning that "with the Brazilian leader, he led discussions based on similar growth experiences as a youth, and with the Indian leader, they conversed based on their shared experiences in difficult political situations, while with the leaders of South Africa and Mexico, many conversations were had on the subjects of democratization journeys and politics resonating with ordinary citizens."

National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak is giving a briefing on President Lee Jae-myung's G7 Summit at the Korean Press Center in a hotel in Calgary, Canada on the 17th (local time). /Courtesy of Yonhap News

◇'It's not about burying the past between Korea and Japan, but rather about moving forward with a future-oriented perspective.'

The Presidential Office evaluated the significance of President Lee meeting Prime Minister Kishida for the first time since taking office, promising a 'restoration of shuttle diplomacy.' Deputy Minister Wi stated, "There may be many questions regarding the direction of the new government's policy toward Japan and how Korea-Japan relations will develop, but the communication between the leaders went smoothly, and today's meeting was conducted in a very positive atmosphere, giving a clear signal that Korea and Japan are still moving forward toward cooperation."

He further stated, "The two leaders expressed positive views on visiting each other," adding that "it is expected that there will be more frequent exchanges in the future," indicating that President Lee and Prime Minister Kishida may meet several times to enhance cooperation in economic and security fields between the two countries.

Initially, there were predictions in the political circle that President Lee would directly address historical issues such as forced labor and comfort women on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day this year. However, during the meeting with Prime Minister Kishida, President Lee only stated, "There are small differences and differences of opinion, but I hope that Korea and Japan can cooperate in various aspects and develop a mutually beneficial relationship that transcends those differences."

A source in the Presidential Office responded to the question of whether they are trying to cover up historical issues by saying, "The word 'past' was indeed mentioned. It did come up, but it was not a discussion focused on contentious past issues." He added, "There was a discussion about managing historical issues well and promoting cooperation, with a view to building a future-oriented relationship, and there was general agreement on this. "

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are holding talks at the G7 Summit in Canmore, Canada on the 16th (local time). /Courtesy of Yonhap News

◇Trump returns home, trade challenges remain, including U.S. tariff negotiations

The Presidential Office is reviewing whether President Lee will attend the NATO summit next week. If President Lee participates in NATO, the biggest interest is whether the canceled South Korea-U.S. summit will take place. Initially, President Lee was scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump of the United States before the Korea-Japan summit on that day. It is reported that the specific time, format, and total duration had already been discussed. There was anticipation that it would provide an opportunity to address diplomatic tasks such as tariff negotiations with the U.S. and defense cost-sharing.

However, with the military conflict between Israel and Iran, President Trump returned home early, leading to the cancellation of the South Korea-U.S. summit. Both countries are reportedly discussing the meeting schedule again, including the NATO summit. However, President Lee’s attendance at NATO has not yet been confirmed. A source from the Presidential Office stated, "We will find the quickest opportunity to coordinate again," adding, "If President Lee goes to NATO, there is also a possibility that the South Korea-U.S. summit will be held."