- President Lee Jae-myung's recent inauguration, following a period of political turmoil including his predecessor's impeachment, signals South Korea's return to democratic normalcy. His participation in the G7 Summit, emphasizing "unity," "people's livelihood," and "pragmatic" foreign policy, aims to restore international trust and diplomatic engagement.- The Lee administration faces a complex global landscape...

► President Lee Jae-myung enters office amid deep domestic polarization and global uncertainty, and his early restraint from political retaliation suggests a pragmatic leadership style focused on restoring democratic trust.►He must navigate strained U.S.-ROK relations, manage rising defense and nuclear debates, and maintain delicate ties with China and Japan while balancing alliance commitments and regional ...

- Diplomatic outreach to North Korea is set to expand, driven by leaders' willingness to engage. This comes as Pyongyang rapidly develops its nuclear capabilities, making dialogue crucial for regional stability despite denuclearization remaining a long-term goal.- Key obstacles include North Korea's nuclear commitment versus denuclearization demands, and the growing military partnership between Russia and North...

- The U.S.-South Korea alliance, strong a year ago, now faces significant uncertainty due to new leadership in both countries, with Presidents Trump and Lee Jae-myung questioning the alignment of their nations' interests, particularly regarding China. - This shift risks a downgrade of South Korea's standing as a top-tier U.S. ally in Asia, potential unilateral U.S. troop withdrawals that could fuel South Korean ...

- South Korea's new global significance, marked by invitations to major summits, brings with it a broader range of international expectations and responsibilities beyond its immediate region. - In a changing global order, South Korea is expected to pursue a pragmatic foreign policy by leveraging minilateral alliances, especially its robust relationship with the United States, to secure its national interests and...

-  South Korea's democratic trajectory has been marked by a persistent challenge that undermines its strategic position on the global stage: the absence of policy continuity across successive administrations. -  As the Lee Jae-myung administration takes office, there exists a critical opportunity to break this destructive cycle and establish policy frameworks that can transcend partisan politics. ...