South Korea’s Lee Says He’ll Pursue Pragmatic Diplomacy to Tackle Unprecedented Crisis

"Laying the groundwork for a new leap forward amid an unprecedented crisis"

"Strengthen South Korea-US-Japan cooperation and expand ties with neighboring countries"

"Advance into an industrial powerhouse through investment in advanced technology"

President Lee Jae-myung said on June 26 that his government would seek solutions through pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests as global uncertainty and overlapping crises intensify.

In a congratulatory message to the 2026 Korean Peninsula Symposium in Seoul, Lee said the country must seize opportunities amid an unprecedented crisis and lay the foundation for a new leap forward. He said the government would pursue answers through strategic thinking attuned to global developments and pragmatic diplomacy focused on national interests.

The world is facing multiple, overlapping crises, he said. Geopolitical risks including the war in the Middle East, supply-chain realignment and competition for supremacy in advanced technologies are unfolding simultaneously, amplifying global uncertainty.

Lee said his government would strengthen cooperation among South Korea, the US and Japan while maintaining relations with neighboring countries based on mutual respect and expanded cooperation. He added that South Korea would also actively participate, as a responsible member of the international community, in efforts to promote global peace and prosperity.

Lee also underscored his commitment to fostering advanced industries. He said South Korea would make large-scale investments in and provide support for advanced technology industries to become an industrial powerhouse leading the future. The government would do everything it can to secure new growth drivers that can lead global markets and underpin broader growth, he added.

He also called for public support in overcoming the current crisis and building a happier South Korea together.

The symposium was jointly organized by Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Unification, the Institute for National Security Strategy and the Yonhap News Agency Center for Northeast Asian Studies. Lee’s message was read on his behalf by Seong Gi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication.

Lee Jung-woo, Hankyung.com reporter krse9059@hankyung.com