President-elect Yoon: "Korea Envisions Becoming a Global Hub Nation... Pursuing a Strong Alliance with the US" (Comprehensive)

Interview with WP... "Expanding Diplomacy Across EU and Asia Based on ROK-US Relations"

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is answering reporters' questions as he leaves for an external schedule after announcing the second cabinet at the transition office in Tongui-dong, Seoul, on the 13th. Photo by Transition Office Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol stated that South Korean diplomacy should move away from a North Korea-centric approach and be strengthened to match its economic and cultural stature, becoming a stronger ally of the United States, according to the Washington Post (WP).

In an interview reported by WP on the 14th (local time), Yoon said, "While South Korea and the United States have maintained a formal status relationship, substantive and close discussions on military and intelligence issues have weakened," emphasizing that "diplomacy should not only focus on North Korea but also expand its scope based on the South Korea-U.S. relationship to the European Union (EU) and across Asia."

WP evaluated that Yoon has aspirations to make South Korea an important player in addressing global challenges such as supply chain management, climate change, and vaccine production, moving away from a diplomacy policy focused on North Korea.

Furthermore, Yoon envisions South Korea as a global pivotal state, mentioning that South Korea needs to take on more responsibilities, including providing more overseas development aid.

Yoon also told WP that when South Korea is called upon for greater participation by the international community, it must firmly demonstrate respect for the rules-based international order.

Regarding China, which is at odds with the United States, he described China as "an important trading partner to each other," but stressed that South Korea must strengthen its military alliance with the U.S. to take a stronger political stance toward China.

WP particularly noted that Yoon used the term "main enemy" (주적) for North Korea, interpreting this as a break from his predecessor who left a legacy of mediating nuclear negotiations between North Korea and the U.S.

However, while expressing concern over North Korea’s withdrawal from the moratorium on long-range missile tests and nuclear tests, Yoon conveyed that he will maintain a "two-track" approach of pursuing dialogue and humanitarian aid.

Regarding the deteriorated South Korea-Japan relationship, he pointed out that the previous diplomatic approach toward Japan backfired on South Korean companies and ordinary citizens, hindering South Korea’s ability to coordinate with Japan and the U.S.

Yoon also stated that before deciding whether to pursue joining the Quad, South Korea will support and cooperate with working groups addressing global issues such as vaccine distribution and climate change.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.