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President Lee Jae‑myung Opens Cabinet Meeting (Photo: Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, June 22, 2025 — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has decided not to attend the upcoming NATO Summit scheduled for June 24–25 in The Hague, Netherlands, citing pressing domestic issues and rising geopolitical uncertainties.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced in a written briefing on Saturday, “President Lee had been actively considering attending the NATO Summit despite a heavy domestic agenda following his inauguration. However, after carefully weighing domestic challenges and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, he has concluded that attendance is not feasible at this time.”
Kang added that discussions are underway with NATO regarding the possible attendance of an alternative representative on behalf of South Korea.
The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the president leaving the country when the new administration, launched without a formal transition committee, has yet to appoint a prime minister. Political figures and observers have questioned the appropriateness of an overseas trip so early in the administration’s tenure.
President Lee had previously expressed caution over early international travel, stating during his campaign that “due to time constraints, overseas visits should be limited to only the most essential and high-priority international events.”
The presidential office had reportedly been deliberating over the NATO summit participation, especially following President Lee’s engagement with global leaders at the recent G7 Summit in Canada.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
