Washington  

The summit was among Lee’s first major foreign policy tests since he took charge of a politically turbulent nation. His predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, was removed from office after imposing martial law, sparking controversy across South Korea. Just hours before Lee’s visit, Trump posted on Truth Social: “What is happening in South Korea?” — a remark widely seen as a reference to Yoon’s failed attempt to enforce martial law last December. Lee avoided a direct response, steering clear of any confrontation that could have escalated like situations seen with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy or South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa.

Instead, Lee chose to shower Trump with compliments. He praised the newly decorated Oval Office, calling it a “symbol of America’s dignity, prosperity, and new future.” He appealed to Trump to continue supporting peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula—and even jokingly suggested building a Trump Tower in North Korea, complete with golf courses.

Trump, visibly pleased, responded warmly: “We know each other well. It’s a great honor to be with you, and congratulations on your election. It was a big achievement, and we’re fully with you.”

Lee, elected in June, struck a careful balance between humor and diplomacy. With a sarcastic undertone, he noted that while the Dow Jones had reached record highs under Trump, it had “dipped a little.” He then urged Trump to help bring about Korean reunification, perhaps even symbolized by golfing at a Trump Tower in Pyongyang.

The South Korean leader also echoed Trump’s long-standing claim that if Trump had remained in office, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would not have been able to expand his nuclear capabilities. “I believe you are the only leader who has achieved such success,” Lee remarked, further deepening the cordial tone of the meeting.