First Call of Shared Empathy… Leadership Crossing the Line of Life and Death

On the night of the 6th (Korea time), President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump had their first summit call, discussing the future of bilateral relations while sharing their political journeys that have navigated the line between life and death.

President Yoon Kyung-jeong of the presidential office stated in a written briefing, "During the call, which lasted about 20 minutes starting at 10 PM, President Trump congratulated President Lee on his election, and President Lee expressed his gratitude while emphasizing the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance."

The two leaders reaffirmed the strategic significance of the Korea-U.S. alliance amid ongoing global instability and agreed to closely collaborate to deepen the alliance in practical terms.

"Together We Survived"… Special Trust Formed Amid Assassination Threats

The core of this call was not limited to mere diplomatic formality. The two leaders shared their dramatic survival experiences from their political lives, literally sharing the burden of "leadership that rose from death."

President Trump recalled the moment he was threatened by gunfire during his campaign, while President Lee remembered the chilling moment he was stabbed in public while serving as the leader of the Democratic Party.

Having both returned from the brink of death, it seems they shared a deep sense of empathy regarding this experience.

Spokesperson Yoon stated, "Today's call was evaluated as an opportunity to discuss pressing issues in Korea-U.S. relations as well as to build trust and friendship at the leadership level."

Responding to the Invitation to the U.S…. "Let’s Meet Often for In-depth Discussions"

President Trump officially invited President Lee to visit the U.S., to which President Lee responded, "I hope Korea and the U.S. will meet often to discuss our special alliance."

The two leaders agreed to meet in person as soon as possible through multilateral meetings or bilateral talks to continue in-depth discussions. It has also been reported that practical coordination at the working level is ongoing.

At the end of the call, the two leaders engaged in a light-hearted discussion about their golfing skills. Spokesperson Yoon noted, "President Lee shared an anecdote about a hat signed by President Trump, and President Trump expressed his anticipation for the day he would meet President Lee in person."