President Lee Jae-myung Begins 'Practical Vacation' Ahead of Korea-U.S. Summit
President Lee Jae-myung has entered summer vacation ahead of his first visit to the United States since taking office.
From the 4th to the 8th, he is scheduled to stay at the presidential villa 'Cheonghaedae' located on Geoje Island. Initially, he planned to skip the vacation or take a short one, but, upon the recommendation of his aides, he decided to take time for renewal.
According to officials from the presidential office and political circles, this vacation is expected to be more than just a simple break, but rather a 'practical vacation.'
During this time, President Lee is reportedly taking a break through reading and watching movies while simultaneously receiving real-time reports on key issues.
In particular, he is expected to focus on preparations for the upcoming Korea-U.S. summit during this vacation.
With numerous detailed coordination tasks remaining after tariff negotiations, sensitive issues such as adjustments to the investment amount of the $350 billion (approximately 472 trillion won) U.S. investment fund and agricultural quarantine procedures need to be addressed.
Preparing for Security Agenda Alongside Golf Meeting with Trump
President Lee Jae-myung is also reportedly planning to practice golf at his vacation spot, keeping in mind the possibility of a golf meeting proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump shortly after he took office.
The agenda of the summit is expected to expand beyond trade issues to include security matters as well.
Major security issues such as increased defense burden sharing, adjustment of the role of U.S. troops in Korea, the expansion of Korea's defense budget, responses to North Korean nuclear and missile threats, Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation, and containment of China are anticipated to be discussed.
Significant Security Issues
There is also a possibility that Trump's unique 'invoice diplomacy' could be revived, necessitating thorough preparation.
The schedule for the summit has not yet been finalized. Presidential office spokesperson Kang Yoo-jeong stated, "Coordination between the diplomatic authorities of Korea and the U.S. is ongoing, and a decision will be announced after consultation between the two countries."
Kim Yong-beom, head of policy coordination at the presidential office, also mentioned during a KBS TV appearance that "Foreign Minister Park Jin is in Washington conducting practical discussions," and added, "Agreement is progressing very smoothly."
The political sector is viewing mid-August as a probable timeframe for the summit.
Internally, there is a preference within the presidential office for a date after Liberation Day on the 15th. This is based on the judgment that it would be a natural diplomatic flow for President Lee to meet President Trump after completing his formal inauguration.
Although there is a slight discrepancy with President Trump's earlier mention of a 'summit within two weeks,' considering the scheduling coordination of both sides, it seems sufficiently feasible.
Image Sources: President Lee Jae-myung / News1, President Donald Trump / gettyimageskorea, President Lee Jae-myung / Presidential Office
