Lee Jae Myung: "Pragmatic Diplomacy Centered on National Interests Based on South Korea-U.S. Alliance... Will Strive to Improve North Korean Human Rights"

Lee Announces Foreign and Security Policy Statement
"Stable Management of South Korea-China Relations"

Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 26th, "I will pursue pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, based on a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance."

In his statement on foreign and security policy, which he released via his Facebook page, Lee said, "Amid a period of great transformation in the international order, I will build a strong nation in foreign affairs and security that protects our national interests." He continued, "For the divided nation of South Korea, security is the economy, and peace is people’s livelihood. Economy, diplomacy, and national defense cannot be considered separately."

He went on to say, "I will strengthen cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Japan is an important partner for cooperation," and added, "On issues of history and territory, I will respond based on principles, while in the social, cultural, and economic spheres, I will take a forward-looking and future-oriented approach. I will lay the foundation for a consistent and robust relationship between South Korea and Japan."

Regarding China, Lee said, "China is an important trading partner and a country that affects security on the Korean Peninsula. I will stably manage the South Korea-China relationship, which reached its worst state under the previous administration."

On the relationship between the United States and Russia, he said, "The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase. I will handle South Korea-Russia relations from the perspective of prioritizing our national interests, contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine, and pursue pragmatic diplomacy for the security of the Korean Peninsula and the benefit of our businesses."

Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is appealing for support at a campaign rally held at Gyeyang Station Square in Incheon on the 21st. 2025.5.21 Photo by Kim Hyun Min

Lee emphasized that strengthening defense capabilities is central to security. He said, "Based on a solid South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture, I will enhance the extended deterrence system between South Korea and the U.S., as well as the three-axis defense system, and firmly maintain readiness against North Korea’s asymmetric threats." He added, "By actively introducing advanced science and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), I will develop our military into an invincible smart strong force that will surely win in 21st-century warfare."

Regarding North Korea, he said, "I will pursue a Korean Peninsula that coexists through easing tensions and denuclearized peace," and added, "North Korea policy must not become a political tool. I will create it together with the people through social dialogue." Lee pointed out, "It has been a long time since the North Korean denuclearization process was suspended. North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities are growing day by day. We cannot leave this unaddressed any longer."

Lee pledged, "To revitalize the economy and stabilize people’s livelihoods, we must resolve the Korea risk. I will work to restore inter-Korean communication channels, halt actions that provoke tension on both sides, and manage the situation stably." In particular, he stated, "I will make efforts to ensure that the human rights of North Korean residents are substantively improved."

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