South Korean President Lee to Meet Trump in D.C. on August 25

President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea is planning to make a major trip to Washington, D.C. from August 24 to 26, when he plans to hold a meeting August 25 with U.S. President Donald Trump, the South Korean presidential office on Wednesday announced.

The two leaders will address some of the key issues such as enhancing trade and defense relationship as well as determining how to deal with the nuclear appetites of North Korea.

Lee, the president who assumed his position on June 4, 2025, suddenly following the election due to the impeachment of the former President, Yoon Suk-yeol, is keen on strengthening the U.S.-South Korea relationship to keep it rock-solid and is acting with a practical mindframe when it comes to diplomacy.

• South Korean President Lee to Meet Donald Trump in Washington on August 25
• Lee Jae-myung and Trump to Discuss Trade, Defense, and North Korea in D.C. Summit
• Critical U.S.–South Korea Meeting Set as President Lee Heads to Washington

It is likely that the negotiations will go deeper into the trade tariffs raised by Trump and the expense of the American soldiers in South Korea, which are problems that resonate on both homes.

The timing of this meeting is critical. Lee’s dealing with economic headaches at home and hopes to restart talks with North Korea. His team has already taken steps to cool tensions, like halting loudspeaker broadcasts along the DMZ. Still, experts warn that getting traction on Trump’s trade policies or North Korea’s nuclear program will be a tough climb, with no quick fixes in sight.

This summit comes after a friendly phone call between Lee and Trump, where they even made plans to hit the golf course together, suggesting they’re aiming to build a personal connection. It’ll be their first face-to-face since Lee took office, after a missed chance to meet at the G7 summit in June when Trump left early.

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Lee’s pitching South Korea as a “middle power plus,” balancing strong ties with the U.S. and Japan while keeping the door open for talks with North Korea and others. What happens in D.C. could shape how the U.S. and South Korea work together in today’s complicated world.