[Gu Bonyeong Column] Korea-US Summit and 'Moment of Truth'

Lee Jaemyung's government is being put to the test. With the Korea-US summit scheduled for the 25th and other national tasks requiring presidential decisions lining up. In domestic affairs, President Lee's actions are unrestrained. His strong response to industrial accidents was evident. Last month, he visited the SPC Samlip Siheung plant where a worker died, giving the management a stern warning. Earlier this month, he ordered a review of the cancellation of construction licenses, seemingly targeting POSCO E&C, which caused a fatal accident.

Additionally, he pardoned Cho Kuk and Yoon Mihyang. Despite the very negative public opinion on issues like entrance exam fraud and embezzlement of comfort women support funds, he pushed for this during the honeymoon period to consolidate the ruling bloc. This could be seen as possible because the minority opposition is in disarray. After former President Yoon Seokyeol, who committed the absurd 'martial law self-harm drama,' was impeached, the People's Power Party is unable to effectively check the ruling party due to internal strife.

However, the White House meeting with US President Donald Trump is not an easy stage for President Lee. Trump, who prioritizes transactions over alliances, is bound to present various economic and security bills. President Lee's domestic 'refreshing remarks' won't work. Ominous signs have already appeared. Disagreements have arisen between the two countries over the verbally agreed Korea-US tariff negotiation results. The presidential office claims there will be no further opening of US beef and rice markets, but the White House claims the opposite. If Trump, whose main voter base is rural areas, insists on this, President Lee's position will become difficult.

Completing the follow-up to the tariff negotiations is not easy, and there are challenges waiting in the security field as well. A few days ago, Javier Brunson, Commander of US Forces Korea, hinted at a reduction in US forces in Korea during a press conference, stating that discussions should focus on capabilities rather than numbers regarding the modernization of the Korea-US alliance. He even said, "Strategic flexibility is the ability to deploy troops and equipment where needed when needed." This reveals the Trump administration's intention that fixing US troops and equipment only on the Korean Peninsula is not efficient.

If the adjustment of US forces in Korea becomes a public agenda in this summit? If expanding the role from 'North Korea deterrence' to 'China containment' becomes an official agenda, the repercussions will be significant. Recently, the Washington Post (WP) reported that during last month's tariff negotiations, the US considered demanding South Korea to raise its defense spending from 2.6% of GDP last year to 3.8%. The draft agreement from the US side also included a statement that South Korea would announce support for the flexibility of US forces in Korea to better contain China. For us, it's a situation where we have to worry about being sandwiched between the US and China, beyond economic burdens.

In Spanish bullfighting, matadors often excite the bull and the audience by waving a red cape. But in the final moment when the lead matador ends the bull's life, such shows don't work. If Trump mentions the strategic flexibility of US forces in Korea at the summit table? President Lee will face the 'Moment of Truth' in the bullring. It's difficult to gloss over by saying "Thank you to China and thank you to Taiwan."

However, the Lee Jaemyung government is not in a position to tout hollow autonomy like the Moon Jaein administration's 'driver theory of the Korean Peninsula.' Yet, if it's taking steps to widen the gap in the Korea-US alliance before the summit, that's a problem. Recently, the government has pursued a conciliatory policy toward North Korea by adjusting (reducing or delaying) Korea-US joint exercises. But what came back was a harsh remark, "a vain dream" (Kim Yojong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea). At this point, the call for an early transfer of wartime operational control also seems out of place. It only provides justification for reducing US forces in Korea. Moreover, now is the time of a new Cold War as China challenges US hegemony. The move to build 'artificial islands' in the West Sea to make it China's internal sea is such a sign. At times like this, the current government must practice pragmatic diplomacy prioritizing national interest, as it has publicly declared.

kby777@fnnews.com Editorial Advisor