2026년 한국의 4강 외교 과제와 한반도 평화

South Korea has significantly strengthened its diplomatic standing and demonstrated its capacity for pragmatic, national interest-focused foreign policy, according to assessments of President Lee Jae-myung’s recent diplomatic initiatives. These efforts, spanning the latter half of 2025 and continuing into 2026, have focused on building trust with key global powers and establishing a foundation for international peace and cooperation.

Building Diplomatic Foundations

President Lee Jae-myung engaged in extensive multilateral diplomacy, participating in five multilateral events, visiting nine countries, and holding 35 bilateral summits in the latter half of 2025. This year, he completed diplomacy with the four major powers – excluding war-torn Russia – through visits to China and Japan. This activity has positioned South Korea to actively pursue its national interests on the global stage.

Navigating Complex Relationships

A key achievement has been fostering strong relationships with the leaders of the United States, China, and Japan. This has enabled confident, mutually beneficial diplomacy, while also clearly articulating South Korea’s national interests and values. The administration successfully navigated pressures from the United States regarding free trade agreements, tariffs, and security arrangements, securing favorable outcomes while maintaining a stable security alliance.

Did You Know? President Lee Jae-myung held 35 bilateral summits in the latter half of 2025.

Despite tensions between China and Japan, South Korea skillfully leveraged the situation to host separate summits with both countries, promoting dialogue and cooperation in Northeast Asia. President Lee emphasized the need for the three nations to find common ground and collaborate, potentially easing regional tensions.

Strategic Autonomy and Regional Security

South Korea demonstrated its strategic autonomy by proposing joint naval search and rescue exercises with China, while simultaneously asserting the necessity of nuclear submarine construction to deter North Korea. These actions signaled a commitment to both regional cooperation and national security. An agreement was reached regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, as well as revisions to the atomic energy agreement, including uranium enrichment and reprocessing.

Expert Insight: President Lee’s approach demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of regional dynamics, balancing relationships with major powers while prioritizing South Korea’s national security interests. This strategy aims to maximize South Korea’s influence and maneuverability in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Prospects for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

The administration views a potential summit between the United States and North Korea, facilitated by President Trump, as a key opportunity to resume dialogue and advance peace on the Korean Peninsula. Efforts are underway to encourage both the U.S. And China to actively support such a meeting. South Korea has also signaled its support for normalization of relations between the U.S. And North Korea, as well as between North Korea and Japan, even without a direct link to denuclearization talks.

Potential Challenges Ahead

Maintaining the trust-based relationship with the United States will require the full implementation of the $350 billion investment pledge, contingent upon the passage of the relevant investment law. Continued progress on the transfer of wartime operational control and the modernization of the alliance is also crucial. Navigating potential provocations from Japan, such as revisiting historical issues or actions concerning the Takeshima islands, will require careful diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the extent of President Lee Jae-myung’s diplomatic activity in 2025?

President Lee Jae-myung participated in five multilateral events, visited nine countries, and held 35 bilateral summits in the latter half of 2025.

What key agreements were reached regarding security cooperation with the United States?

Agreements were reached regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, as well as revisions to the atomic energy agreement, including uranium enrichment and reprocessing.

What is South Korea’s position on potential summits between the U.S. And North Korea?

South Korea supports the resumption of summits between the U.S. And North Korea, viewing it as a key opportunity to advance peace on the Korean Peninsula.

As South Korea navigates these complex international relationships, how might its commitment to both national autonomy and regional cooperation shape its future role on the global stage?