President Donald Trump sharply criticised South Korea just hours before his scheduled summit on Monday with the country’s new President, Lee Jae Myung, as tensions over defence spending and trade continue to test the decades-long alliance between both nations.
In a post on social media, Trump claimed, without providing evidence, that there “Seems like a Purge or Revolution” in South Korea, adding, “We can’t have that and do business there.” The remarks cast a shadow over what was expected to be a crucial meeting for President Lee, who faces high-stakes talks in his first summit with the US leader.
Lee assumed office in June following a snap election triggered by the removal of his conservative predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted after attempting to impose martial law in December. South Korea’s economy remains heavily dependent on the US, which provides security through stationed troops and nuclear deterrence. However, Lee has signalled plans to balance relations with Washington while maintaining strong trade ties with China, South Korea’s largest trading partner.
While Trump did not explain the reason for his complaint, his comments appeared to echo the grievances of Korea’s far-right movement, including evangelical Christians and supporters of former President Yoon, who is currently on trial for allegedly inciting an insurrection. These supporters claim, without evidence, that Yoon is facing “communist persecution” and have accused officials of election tampering in the vote that brought Lee to power.
South Korea’s presidential office said it was reviewing Trump’s remarks, while the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump has frequently criticised South Korea, previously calling it a “money machine” that benefits from American military protection without contributing enough in return.
“Regardless of how this specific incident plays out, Trump has nicely illustrated how unreliable and capricious he is for allies,” said Mason Richey, a professor at Hankuk University in Seoul.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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