Foreign Media Focus on Yoon Administration's Foreign Policy Direction... AFP Calls It "Hardline on North Korea"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering his inaugural address at the 20th presidential inauguration ceremony held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] On the 10th, marking the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, foreign media focused on the new government's foreign policy direction. They also noted that President Yoon mentioned the deployment of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) despite concerns about China's retaliation.

First, the Associated Press (AP) identified challenges for the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, including the deadlock in North Korea-U.S. denuclearization talks, North Korea's nuclear threats, preparations for resuming nuclear tests, and the security and economic dilemmas arising from U.S.-China rivalry.

The agency reported that in public opinion polls, less than 60% of respondents gave a positive evaluation of President Yoon's governance outlook, which is lower than the 80-90% seen in his predecessors.

It added, "The conservative who advocated a tougher approach toward North Korea did not enjoy a honeymoon period (with sustained high approval ratings) after election." The low approval ratings were attributed to sharp conflicts between progressives and conservatives, as well as controversies surrounding policies and cabinet appointments.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

AFP highlighted that President Yoon is considered a hardliner to the extent that he mentioned the possibility of a preemptive strike against North Korea if necessary.

The agency focused on President Yoon's mention of THAAD deployment and conveyed opinions that his foreign policy might be affected due to a lack of seasoned political skills.

It also introduced views emphasizing the greater responsibility of President Yoon, who is taking office amid a turbulent global situation.

Bloomberg News predicted that President Yoon's foreign policy direction would become apparent during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea later this month.

Based on President Yoon's previous statements regarding participation in the new semiconductor supply chain promoted by the Biden administration, strengthening military cooperation, and joining the Indo-Pacific security consultative framework Quad, Bloomberg anticipated that President Biden would welcome South Korea's new policy toward the U.S.

Bloomberg also pointed out that the Moon Jae-in administration had conflicts with Japan and showed a pro-China stance, suggesting that President Yoon's attempts to improve relations with Japan could represent a potential change.

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