President Lee to hold summit with Trump as early as late July

Prospects for tariff and defense cost negotiations

Presidential office: "Adjustments underway with mutual understanding between the two countries"

President Lee to hold a town hall meeting press conference on the 3rd

Proceedings scheduled by sector: livelihood, economy, and national security

Considering a separate space, not the briefing room

President Lee meets with cultural and artistic figures, including Park Cheon-hyu

Expresses intention to introduce basic income for the arts sector

President Lee Jae-myung will hold his first press conference on the 3rd, marking one month since his inauguration, according to the presidential office's announcement on the 30th. It is reported that President Lee is coordinating a visit to the United States in late July or early August for a summit with President Donald Trump.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated in a briefing that "the press conference will be held in a 'town hall meeting' format to facilitate closer communication with the press," adding, "It will proceed by topics, including livelihood/economy, politics/diplomacy and security, and society/culture." Kang explained, "The event is intended to publicize the successful early establishment of the new administration, which launched without a transition committee, and to enable active communication regarding national management direction and key policies." The title of the press conference has been decided as 'Media Asks, President Answers.'

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol held his press conference in the presidential briefing room, but it is known that President Lee is considering another venue due to the briefing room's limited capacity. Former President Moon Jae-in, meanwhile, hosted a press conference for around 200 journalists at the Blue House state guesthouse. Kang explained that the purpose is to meet more members of the press, adding that the location will be disclosed later.

Traditionally, previous presidents have held press conferences around 100 days after taking office. However, it is understood that President Lee judged direct communication with citizens to be necessary immediately after establishing the foundations of state administration, including the completion of cabinet and presidential office senior appointments.

Kang also stated, "A Korea-U.S. summit is necessary and ongoing adjustments are being made under mutual agreement between the two countries," adding, "Currently, coordination is underway in various areas, including tariff negotiations, all under close understanding." According to diplomatic sources, President Lee is highly likely to visit the U.S. in late July or early August. With National Security Advisor Wi Sung-rak and U.S. Treasury Secretary Marco Rubio reaching consensus on the prompt holding of a Korea-U.S. summit, the chances of it being realized soon have increased. It is expected that the agenda of the upcoming summit will include such issues as the increase in defense cost sharing requested by the U.S. government.

On the same day, President Lee attended a 'Cultural and Artistic Awardees Roundtable' held at the Presidential Office Pinegrass. Attendees included Park Cheon-hyu, author of the musical 'Maybe Happy Ending,' soprano Jo Su-mi, Heo Ga-young, the director who won first prize in the student section at the Cannes International Film Festival, ballet dancer Park Yoon-jae, and Kim Won-seok, director of the drama 'You Have Done Well.'

President Lee stated, "Expanding Korean culture on a large scale creates jobs, and boosting soft power can serve as a good resource for expanding our influence," adding, "If we significantly increase investment and support in the cultural field as a national policy and nurture it into an industry, I believe we can grow into a global powerhouse and a leading nation." According to the presidential office, President Lee spoke with the intent that basic income for cultural and artistic figures is necessary. He was also reported to have emphasized that policies should be identified and implemented as needed by beneficiaries, not merely discussed theoretically. President Lee told attendees, "Because the selection of a Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism is still pending due to overcomplication, I hope you will also give it some thought."

Kim Hyung-gyu, Reporter khk@hankyung.com