Lee Jae-myung Emphasizes Korean Peninsula Peace Message at G7 Summit

President Lee Jae-myung Delivers 'Korean Peninsula Peace' Message at G7 Summit

President Lee Jae-myung has arrived in Évian-les-Bains, France, to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The meeting, held for the first time since tensions escalated between the United States and Iran, has placed the Middle East situation at the forefront of the agenda. Key discussion points include the resumption of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, energy supply stability, and coordinated responses from the U.S. and Europe toward Iran. On his first day at the G7 summit, President Lee began his diplomatic schedule by attending an official dinner and welcome reception. Accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, he posed for commemorative photos with various heads of state. He also engaged in a brief 30-second conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which he emphasized South Korea's role in the peaceful resolution of North Korean issues. Regarding his participation in the G7 summit, President Lee stated, "I will convey our strengthened resilience," expressing his resolve to enhance South Korea's standing in the international community and promote tangible national interests. This marks his second consecutive year being invited to and attending the G7 summit, signaling a further elevation of South Korea's diplomatic stature.

'Korean Peninsula Peace' Discourse Highlighted at G7 Stage

At the G7 summit held in Évian-les-Bains, France, President Lee Jae-myung underscored South Korea's proactive role in the peaceful resolution of issues concerning North Korea. During his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, President Lee requested that the U.S. take the lead in peacefully resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, to which President Trump responded positively, stating, "I will make efforts," according to the Presidential Office. This occasion served to reaffirm South Korea's leading diplomatic capacity in denuclearization and the establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. President Lee participated in the first session of the G7 enlarged meeting, clearly conveying the South Korean government's stance on major international issues. In particular, considering the ripple effects of instability in the Middle East on the global economy, he urged international cooperation for stable energy supply and the guarantee of freedom of navigation. As a guest nation invited alongside G7 member states, South Korea demonstrated an expanded voice on international security and economic issues. President Lee also used his G7 summit attendance as an opportunity to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a one-on-one meeting. Chancellor Merz highly praised South Korea and expressed expectations for a leap forward in bilateral relations. Thus, President Lee Jae-myung's participation in the G7 summit has become a significant diplomatic stage, not merely for understanding international affairs but for presenting South Korea's active role and vision on key global issues, including the Korean Peninsula. This is anticipated to have a positive impact on South Korea's foreign policy and economic diplomacy moving forward.

Divergent Domestic Political Reactions and Future Outlook

Domestic political circles have shown mixed reactions to President Lee Jae-myung's participation and diplomatic activities at the G7 summit. Notably, President Lee's approval rating, which has seen a continuous decline for four consecutive weeks, recording 51.5%, could become a variable in future political schedules. While some expect the diplomatic achievements at the G7 summit to help reverse the downward trend in approval ratings, others adopt a critical perspective linked to domestic policy issues. For instance, while policies such as applying health insurance to hair loss medications and expressing commitment to eradicating illegal subcontracting in construction sites, promoted by the Lee Jae-myung administration, receive positive evaluations, some voices raise doubts about the effectiveness of their implementation. Furthermore, criticisms from lawmaker Na Kyung-won, based on past statements, regarding President Lee's actions concerning his eligibility to vote, have become a contentious issue in political circles. Attention is focused on the future path of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which must simultaneously navigate successful diplomatic activities on the international stage of the G7 summit and address domestic challenges of political balance and public livelihood stability. President Lee has clearly stated his position that "freedom of expression must be guaranteed, but actions that infringe upon the rights of others cannot be tolerated," indicating a firm stance against disruptions like the protest that blocked the Jamsil vote-counting station. This demonstrates the President's resolute will to maintain domestic political stability and order. It is projected that President Lee will increasingly focus on resolving key domestic issues, leveraging the diplomatic momentum gained from the G7 summit. Moreover, having been invited to the G7 summit for two consecutive years, South Korea is expected to further strengthen its role and responsibilities in the international community and contribute to generating tangible national interests.