President Lee’s Thorough 'Trump Study'... Preview of the Korea-U.S. Summit

The summit between President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump will begin at 12:15 p.m. on the 25th. In Korean time, this is 1:15 a.m. on the 26th. The agenda is expected to include U.S. Forces Korea, shipbuilding, and investments in the U.S. President Lee has committed to maximizing national interests, stating that he personally studied the 'Trump-style negotiation method.'

On the 25th, President Lee held an impromptu briefing on his private plane en route from Tokyo, Japan, to Washington, D.C., stating, "(President Trump) has clearly set out his negotiation method in books like 'The Art of Negotiation' and 'The Art of the Deal', and I studied them thoroughly." Facing a difficult negotiation, he dismissed concerns over the potential expansion of market access to agricultural and livestock products like rice and beef, saying, “Changing things after already reaching a major agreement is not something we can agree to.”

In last month’s tariff negotiations, concluded verbally, the Korean government confirmed ‘no further opening’ of sensitive items such as rice and beef, but the U.S. emphasized expanded market access, exposing differences in views. The industry fears that differences in wording during documentation could lead to differing interpretations.

Foreign media have picked shipbuilding as a key agenda for this summit. The Washington Post reported on the 24th that shipbuilding would be a major agenda, interpreting that Korea seeks to use cooperation in shipbuilding as a strategic card to ease friction in the U.S.-China rivalry. With the U.S. planning to share naval ship maintenance and services capabilities with allies such as Japan and South Korea, Korean shipbuilders are believed to be ready to support the modernization of the U.S. commercial and defense sectors.

The Wall Street Journal also projected that 'MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again)' has become a symbolic phrase likely to appeal to President Trump, and that Korea’s shipbuilding cooperation could be a strong card during the summit.

In light of the cross-strait tensions (China-Taiwan), it’s argued that the U.S. needs Korea’s shipbuilding cooperation to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan in 2027. In fact, Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries have secured contracts to repair non-combatant vessels for U.S. forces stationed in Japan, and there is talk that, if regulations ease, this could expand to warship maintenance. Plans for President Lee to visit Hanwha Philly Shipyard (acquired by Hanwha Ocean last year) immediately after the summit, along with the possibility of Vice President J.D. Vance accompanying him, add context to these developments.

Sensitive issues such as the realignment of U.S. Forces Korea may also be discussed within this context. There are concerns about possible consideration of a U.S. troop withdrawal from Korea and demands for increased stationing costs.

Investments in the U.S. remain a significant agenda item. NBC reported on the 22nd that the two presidents are expected to discuss in detail a package of investments in the U.S. worth ₩359.9 billion by Korea. This package reportedly includes a ₩1.5 billion Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation fund, with the prevailing view being that the investment will focus more on loans and guarantees rather than direct investment.

The North Korea issue is cited as a 'wild card' at this summit. While President Trump agrees with the goal of 'complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,' he may also make unexpected suggestions regarding North Korea policy. Academics have warned that President Trump’s characteristic 'results-driven' proposals may reappear, and that his so-called 'Nobel Peace Prize drive' could increase the stakes at the negotiating table.

Regarding the possibility of President Trump making a surprise proposal, President Lee said, “President Trump might introduce topics to discuss, or I might. I intend to talk about whatever is necessary without limitation. Whoever brings it up, I imagine we’ll have that conversation at least once.”

He then added, “The North Korea issue is extremely important for us. Whether it’s nuclear or North Korean issues, anything involving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is the most important national security issue for the Republic of Korea. I think it’s time we try to forge a way forward.”

Ultimately, the focal points of this summit are: clarifying the specifics of shipbuilding and industrial cooperation symbolized by MASGA, the realignment of U.S. Forces Korea, the scope and format of the North Korea agenda, and the official documentation blocking expanded market access for agricultural and livestock products.

With Trump’s 'big deal' style and Lee Jae-myung’s 'principle and pragmatism' coming head-to-head for the first time, the key to the White House summit at dawn will be where the two leaders find a balance for maximizing national interests.

The two leaders will meet for 30 minutes. This includes time for questions and answers with the press, broadcast live. After their opening statements, the Q&A will begin, and the number of questions taken will be up to President Trump.

Afterwards, the two leaders will continue their meeting over a luncheon at the White House Cabinet Room from 12:45 p.m., in a closed session to the press.

Lee Seul-gi, Hankyung.com reporter seulkee@hankyung.com