Asia Geopolitics South Korea’s Lee Hits the Road to Japan and the United States
Aug 28, 2025
President Lee Jae-myung's strategic visits to Japan and the U.S. are a focus, emphasizing the importance of Korea-Japan relations. The podcast dives into the geopolitical dynamics, highlighting domestic politics and the North Korean factor. Crucial economic agreements in shipbuilding and trade with the U.S. are discussed, reflecting South Korea's efforts to strengthen alliances. Additionally, it contrasts the diplomatic approaches of Lee and Trump regarding North Korea, exploring trilateral cooperation among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
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Chapters
Transcript
Pragmatic Rapprochement Between Seoul And Tokyo
- Japan–Korea relations improved pragmatically despite historical baggage and past crises under Moon Jae-in.
- Lee Jae-myung's visit to Japan reciprocated Ishiba's outreach and aimed to lock in cooperation amid shared regional pressures.
Geopolitics Trumps Domestic Volatility
- Shared economic and security pressures push Korea and Japan closer even as domestic politics remain unstable.
- China and US treatment of allies shape bilateral incentives more than ideology alone.
Manage The US Visit With Tactical Wins
- Manage Trump's preferences visibly to avoid public confrontations and protect alliance optics.
- Prioritize pragmatic economic gestures like investment and shipbuilding to secure presidential approval.