Lee Jae Myung Pragmatic Diplomacy 2026: Navigating the Global Triangle

Despite initial skepticism about a liberal Seoul aligning with a conservative Washington, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's foreign policy is earning high marks. On January 23, 2026, U.S. experts described him as the "ultimate pragmatist" for his ability to handle friction between global powers.

Lee Jae Myung Pragmatic Diplomacy 2026: Defying the Odds

Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted that Lee isn't following a predictable ideological script. Instead, he's fostering rapport with leaders like Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Sanae Takaichi to secure national interests.

The Strategy of 'Strong Footing'

Lee's visit to Beijing this month was a calculated move. Before meeting Xi Jinping, he held five meetings in total with the U.S. President and the Japanese Prime Minister. Victor Cha of CSIS noted that this provided a "much stronger" footing, ensuring China doesn't treat South Korea as a minor player.

Building Personal Rapport

Lee's diplomacy isn't just about treaties; it's about personal chemistry. From taking a selfie with Xi Jinping on January 5 to playing drums with Sanae Takaichi on January 13 in Nara, the President is using soft power to smooth over historical and geopolitical grievances.