KOREA DIGEST
Korea Digest is a monthly publication of the Korea Centre, School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, that compiles major political, security, economic and diplomatic developments in the Korean Peninsula. Korea Digest aims to track, highlight and provide brief analysis of important developments in the Korean Peninsula.
Korea Digest No. 28 September 2025
Contents
- Lee and Ishiba Strengthen Ties in Busan Summit, Pledge Cooperation on Shared Social Challenges
- Korea Joins Hague Adoption Convention; President Lee Issues Apology to Overseas Adoptees
- President Lee Launches New K-Culture Committee, Appoints JYP Founder as Co-Chair
- Russia Acknowledges North Korea’s Nuclear Reality as Military Ties Deepen
- Kim Jong-un and Choe Son-hui Reaffirm Deepening North Korea–China Ties Amid Shifting Global Landscape
- President Lee Highlights Reconciliation, Livelihoods in Chuseok Message
- Policy Rift in Seoul: Debate Grows Over “Two States” Approach to North Korea
- Seoul Steps Up Diplomatic Push to Resolve U.S. Trade and Tariff Disputes
- North Korea Showcases Military Might Ahead of Party Anniversary Parade
- North Korea Marks Party’s 80th Anniversary with New Missiles and Tightening China Ties.
- Kim Jong-un Deepens Ties with China and Russia Amid Shifting Regional Alignments
- Growing Skepticism Toward Unification as Seoul Eyes Possible North-U.S. Summit
- President Lee Congratulates Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Ahead of APEC
- North Korea Conducts Series of Missile Launches Ahead of APEC Summit
- Trump Visits Korea Ahead of APEC, Receives Nation’s Highest Honor
- President Lee Outlines Partnership and Peace Vision at ASEAN Summit
- Korea Hosts APEC Summit in Gyeongju, Calls for Cooperation Amid Global Uncertainty
Prepared by
Gourilakshmi S, Project Fellow, Korea Centre
1.Lee and Ishiba Strengthen Ties in Busan Summit, Pledge Cooperation on Shared Social Challenges
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held their third and final summit in Busan on Tuesday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties through cooperation on shared societal challenges such as aging populations, urban concentration, and suicide prevention.
The meeting, held at the Nurimaru APEC House on Dongbaek Island, marked the continuation of shuttle diplomacy between Seoul and Tokyo and is expected to be Ishiba’s final diplomatic engagement before stepping down from office. In their joint document, the two leaders agreed that their respective authorities will regularly coordinate on demographic and social policy issues, as well as on agricultural self-sufficiency and emergency management.President Lee expressed hope that the talks would serve as a “cornerstone for rebranded Korea-Japan relations,” while Ishiba said he looked forward to sharing “experiences and wisdom” on mutual challenges. Before the summit, Ishiba visited the grave of Lee Soo-hyun, a Korean student who died saving a Japanese man in Tokyo in 2001, a gesture Lee said symbolized the growing maturity of bilateral relations.
Following the talks, President Lee hosted a banquet featuring delicacies symbolizing harmony between the two nations.During the dinner, Lee referred to Ishiba’s recent UN General Assembly speech, in which the Japanese leader said that “no country can forge the path to a bright future unless it squarely faces history.” Lee said he agreed with the sentiment, emphasizing that facing the past was key to “moving toward a brighter future.”The Busan summit concluded a series of high-level exchanges since June, marking a renewed spirit of cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo amid regional uncertainty. Ishiba’s visit, though working-level, was treated by the Korean government with state-visit-level courtesy, underlining the significance both sides place on maintaining momentum in restoring trust and collaboration.
President Lee Jae Myung (right, front) and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left, front) enter the Nurimaru APEC House in Busan, where they held their third and final summit on Tuesday. (The Korean Herland)
2. Korea Joins Hague Adoption Convention; President Lee Issues Apology to Overseas Adoptees
South Korea has officially joined the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, marking a major shift toward greater transparency and child-centered adoption practices. The accession—30 years after the treaty took effect—follows the enactment of the Special Acts on Domestic and Intercountry Adoption, which place all adoption procedures under direct government oversight.
The convention, in force from October 1, strengthens safeguards against child trafficking and mandates state reviews of all intercountry adoptions. Under the new framework, international adoption is permitted only when no suitable domestic family can be found. Each case must pass the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Adoption Policy Committee, with both sending and receiving nations jointly verifying eligibility, parental consent, and post-adoption monitoring.To support adoptees, Seoul will introduce a new “adoption visa” this month, allowing foreign adoptees to stay in Korea for up to two years while completing legal procedures. Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong hailed the move as a “turning point” in protecting children’s rights and ensuring transparent, rights-based adoption management.
The following day, during the 19th World Korean Day event in Seoul, President Lee Jae Myung offered a public apology to overseas adoptees for the nation’s past failures to protect their rights. Citing Korea’s history of sending more than 170,000 children abroad since the Korean War, Lee acknowledged the trauma and confusion experienced by adoptees and expressed “heartfelt apology and comfort” on behalf of the Republic of Korea.Lee pledged continued efforts to uphold adoptees’ human rights and assist those seeking to reconnect with their birth families, reaffirming that Korea’s new adoption system would be human rights-centered, transparent, and internationally aligned.
3. President Lee Launches New K-Culture Committee, Appoints JYP Founder as Co-Chair
President Lee Jae Myung pledged full government support for Korea’s cultural content industry as a new presidential advisory body ,the “Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange” was officially launched at Kintex, Goyang on Wednesday.
The committee, co-chaired by Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young and JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, will receive ministerial-level treatment and oversee seven subcommittees on pop music, gaming, webtoons and animation, film and video, lifestyle, investment, and policy. Other appointees include top executives from SM, HYBE, and YG Entertainment.Calling the initiative a “one-team platform” combining public and private expertise, President Lee vowed to strengthen the creative industry as a pillar of the national economy, while maintaining the government’s “arm’s length principle” — supporting culture without interference.
Lee praised the rise of “Hallyu 4.0,” describing it as an era of real-time global cultural exchange and recalling independence activist Kim Gu’s vision of a culturally rich Korea leading global peace.During the ceremony, Lee and Park toured a K-culture exhibition zone, discussing K-pop fan culture and its participatory nature. Lee noted that fan involvement in performances reflects “fan sovereignty,” likening it to democratic participation.
President Lee Jae Myung, right, and JYP Entertainment founder and co-chair of the newly established Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange Park Jin-young pose for photos at the K-culture exhibition zone inside Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on Oct. 1. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
4.Russia Acknowledges North Korea’s Nuclear Reality as Military Ties Deepen
Ties between Russia and North Korea deepened further this week as officials from both sides reaffirmed military and strategic cooperation, alongside remarks by Russia’s envoy to the United Nations acknowledging Pyongyang’s nuclear capability as an “open secret” and a “reality.”
On October 1, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov in Moscow, pledging continued support for Russia and unveiling a monument honoring North Korean guerrillas who fought alongside Soviet forces during World War II. The ceremony, attended by Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinski, commemorated the shared wartime history and was described by Belousov as a symbol of “invincible militant friendship.”No emphasized that this legacy forms the “cornerstone” of the countries’ “comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance,” adding that “only victory and glory” await both nations as they strengthen solidarity.
Meanwhile, in New York on October 2, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, during a press conference marking Russia’s presidency of the UN Security Council, said North Korea’s possession of nuclear arms “is not a matter of recognition — it’s an open secret.” He noted Pyongyang’s recent statements at the UN General Assembly, where Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong reaffirmed that the North’s nuclear program is enshrined in its constitution and “can never be tampered with.”Nebenzia blamed “provocative military activities” by South Korea, the United States, and Japan for threatening the North’s security, asserting that Pyongyang’s nuclear stance is “a reality justified by the threats it experiences.”Analysts say the envoy’s comments and the Moscow meeting signal Russia’s growing strategic alignment with North Korea, echoing patterns seen in relationships with other de facto nuclear powers such as India and Pakistan, and highlighting the two nations’ shared opposition to Western pressure.
5.Kim Jong-un and Choe Son-hui Reaffirm Deepening North Korea–China Ties Amid Shifting Global Landscape
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties with China, emphasizing that the two nations’ “traditional friendship” will endure regardless of changing international dynamics, according to state media reports.
In a congratulatory message sent Wednesday to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, Kim vowed that it remains the “steadfast stand” of Pyongyang’s leadership to “steadily develop the traditional DPRK–China friendship no matter how the international situation may change.” He also expressed his willingness to work closely with Beijing to defend “peace and stability in the region and beyond through strategic communication and cooperation.”Kim’s renewed pledge follows his September visit to Beijing, where he and Xi held their first talks in over six years during China’s grand military parade — a meeting seen as signaling a thaw in relations after a period of strain caused by Pyongyang’s growing alignment with Moscow.
Meanwhile, on October 2, KCNA reported that Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui had sent her own congratulatory message to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, vowing to further strengthen diplomatic exchanges and cooperation. Choe wrote that North Korea and China share an “important mission” to enhance bilateral coordination, noting that both sides had reached “complete consensus” on key issues during her four-day visit to Beijing last week, where she met Wang and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.Choe’s trip and the flurry of diplomatic exchanges come weeks ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, where Xi is expected to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest the North’s recent gestures toward China may aim to align positions with Beijing ahead of those high-profile summits, underscoring Pyongyang’s efforts to balance its ties between its two principal partners — China and Russia — amid intensifying global rivalries.
6. President Lee Highlights Reconciliation, Livelihoods in Chuseok Message
President Lee Jae Myung marked the start of the Chuseok holiday by meeting Korean War refugees and pledging continued efforts to reconnect separated families.At the Ganghwa Peace Observatory in Incheon on Oct. 3, Lee listened to displaced persons share their hopes of confirming whether relatives in North Korea are still alive. He said such efforts were a “shared political responsibility” between the two Koreas, stressing that humanitarian exchanges should resume. The remarks align with his END Initiative “ Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization” unveiled at the UN General Assembly last month.
After the meeting, Lee visited a childcare center, local market, and Yaksu Police Station in Seoul to thank on-duty officers. Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung released a Chuseok greeting video, pledging to improve livelihoods and strengthen national industries. “I will dedicate myself to easing people’s hardships and helping our nation make a great leap forward,” Lee said.
7. Policy Rift in Seoul: Debate Grows Over “Two States” Approach to North Korea
A rare policy divide has emerged within President Lee Jae Myung’s administration, as top aides have offered conflicting interpretations of how South Korea should define its relationship with Pyongyang. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated on Sept. 25 that the two Koreas are “already two states, even in international legal terms,” citing their 1991 joint UN membership. He urged transforming the “hostile two-state relationship into a peaceful two-state relationship,” advocating a pragmatic approach to coexistence.
In contrast, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, speaking in New York, rejected this view, stressing that under South Korea’s Constitution and the 1991 Basic Agreement, the two Koreas are not separate countries but “parts of one nation in a temporary special relationship.” His remarks reflect the traditional line that recognizing two states undermines the goal of reunification. The dispute, highlighting internal divisions within Lee’s team, has drawn public and political attention. The opposition People Power Party accused Chung of “abandoning reunification,” while experts like Cho Han-bum of KINU argued that the difference is “largely rhetorical,” as both sides share the goal of easing tensions.The debate comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un last year declared the two Koreas “hostile states,” revising the North’s constitution to label Seoul as the “number one hostile state.” Against this backdrop, Chung’s proposal to transform “hostile two states” into “peaceful two states” assumes renewed significance.
President Lee, in his UN General Assembly speech, emphasized peaceful coexistence through his END Initiative — Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization — which echoes the pragmatic spirit of Chung’s remarks but avoids formal “two-state” terminology. Analysts warn that the contrasting messages could confuse both North Korea and international partners, particularly as Seoul seeks to coordinate with Washington amid renewed U.S.–North Korea diplomatic speculation. As Professor Kim Jae-chun of Sogang University cautioned, “Differences of opinion can exist, but the government must send out a single message. Right now, that’s not happening.”
8. Seoul Steps Up Diplomatic Push to Resolve U.S. Trade and Tariff Disputes
South Korea is ramping up efforts to resolve growing trade frictions with the United States, as newly appointed Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha arrived in Washington pledging to “mobilize all embassy capacities” to address key bilateral challenges.Kang, a former foreign minister, said her priorities include finalizing the $350 billion investment fund under the Trump administration’s framework deal and resolving disputes over auto tariffs, which Seoul hopes to reduce from 25 to 15 percent. She also vowed to ensure a “sustainable visa program” following the detention of over 300 Korean workers in Georgia.
In Seoul, the presidential office convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to coordinate responses to the United States’ tariff policy. The meeting, co-chaired by Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, reviewed Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan’s recent talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.Officials reaffirmed that follow-up negotiations will continue “with Korea’s national interest as the top priority.”Kang also noted Seoul’s support for renewed Trump–Kim dialogue, saying her mission will focus on sustaining cooperation and stability in the U.S.–Korea alliance amid shifting trade and security dynamics.
9.North Korea Showcases Military Might Ahead of Party Anniversary Parade
North Korea is staging a major display of military power this week, combining its annual Defence Development–2025 exhibition with preparations for a large-scale military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party. The defense expo, which opened in Pyongyang on Oct. 4, highlighted the regime’s latest weapons and technologies, with leader Kim Jong-un declaring the event as evidence of “important projects to modernize the nation’s military structure, centered on its nuclear deterrent.” Kim warned that Seoul and Washington’s joint drills pose “new threats” and cautioned that “South Korea should judge whether its territory would be safe.”
The parade is expected to underscore Pyongyang’s expanding ties with China and Russia, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Security Council Deputy Chair Dmitry Medvedev lead their delegations — the highest-level foreign attendance since 2015. Analysts view this as part of North Korea’s effort to project itself as a key player in an emerging anti-U.S. bloc. Observers anticipate the unveiling of a new strategic weapon, possibly the Hwasong-20 ICBM, a hypersonic missile, or an unmanned underwater vehicle. Speculation also swirls that Kim’s daughter Ju-ae may appear at the event to reinforce her growing public role.
10.North Korea Marks Party’s 80th Anniversary with New Missiles and Tightening China Ties
North Korea marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party with a large-scale nighttime military parade, a display of new strategic weapons, and high-level diplomatic engagement underscoring its deepening ties with China and Russia.The grand parade, held on Oct. 10 at Kim Il Sung Square, featured the debut of the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and Hwasong-11Ma hypersonic short-range missile, along with upgraded tanks, rocket launchers, and drone systems. Around 16,000 troops and 40,000 civilians participated in the event, which Pyongyang described as a “strategic showcase of the nation’s invincible power.” Analysts believe the new missiles may feature solid-fuel technology and MIRV capabilities, potentially extending their strike range and precision.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, seated to Kim Jong-un’s right during the celebrations, led a Chinese delegation to Pyongyang, while Vietnamese leader To Lam and Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev also attended. The seating arrangement and protocol, with Li given the most prominent position, signaled Pyongyang’s renewed prioritization of ties with Beijing. Kim’s recent attendance at China’s Victory Day parade and a personal message exchange with President Xi Jinping, who vowed to “strengthen strategic cooperation on international and regional issues,” further reflected this diplomatic realignment.
During the celebrations, Kim Jong-un declared that North Korea’s military would extend its “combat spirit” beyond the homeland’s front lines, hinting at a broader regional role amid rising tensions with the South Korea–U.S.–Japan trilateral bloc. His remarks, paired with the weapons display, were seen as an assertion of North Korea’s de facto status as a nuclear-armed state. Following the festivities, Kim visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on Oct. 12 to pay respects to his late grandfather and father, praising citizens’ loyalty during the rain-soaked events. State media framed the visit as a reaffirmation of internal unity ahead of the anticipated 9th Party Congress in 2026.
Experts say this year’s anniversary celebrations combined military, ideological, and diplomatic theater, projecting regime confidence and signaling a strategic pivot toward China while maintaining support from Russia.
11.Kim Jong-un Deepens Ties with China and Russia Amid Shifting Regional Alignments
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening strategic ties with China and expanding economic cooperation with Russia, signaling Pyongyang’s continued pivot toward its traditional allies.
In a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kim pledged to “carry forward and further develop” the cooperative relations between the two nations, thanking Xi for his congratulatory message marking the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Kim emphasized joint efforts to promote the “welfare of both peoples” and safeguard “regional and global stability,” reflecting support for China’s stance on key regional issues, including Taiwan. The message followed last week’s visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Pyongyang for the anniversary celebrations, during which both sides underscored their growing political and economic coordination.
On the same day, North Korea and Russia signed a new agreement on forestry cooperation, following a meeting of their joint subcommittee on economic and trade collaboration. The deal, signed in Pyongyang, aims to expand exchanges in timber and related industries. Analysts believe the talks may also involve discussions over North Korea dispatching laborers to Russia amid its wartime labor shortages.Observers say the twin developments highlight North Korea’s strategy of deepening trilateral cooperation with Beijing and Moscow as tensions rise with the South Korea–U.S.–Japan bloc.
12.Growing Skepticism Toward Unification as Seoul Eyes Possible North-U.S. Summit
South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expressed optimism about the possibility of a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju later this month, even as public sentiment toward unification continues to cool. In a television interview on Oct. 15, Chung said that if President Trump decides to proceed, a North-U.S. meeting at Panmunjom is “quite possible,” highlighting the White House’s openness to “unconditional talks” and Kim’s recent calibrated messages toward Washington. He suggested the meeting should exclude South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, noting that Kim appears unwilling to engage directly with Seoul.
Chung also remarked that Pyongyang’s denuclearization should be viewed as a long-term goal, with the immediate focus on halting further nuclear expansion. He added that “a temporary period of tongmi bongnam”—North Korea’s dialogue with the U.S. while sidelining the South—“is acceptable” under the current administration.
Meanwhile, a poll released on October 20 by the Korea Institute for National Unification revealed that 51 percent of South Koreans now believe unification is unnecessary, the first time such a sentiment has surpassed those in favor since polling began in 2014. The survey also showed 68 percent expressing disinterest in North Korea, reflecting a generational and attitudinal shift toward peaceful coexistence rather than reunification. Together, these developments underscore the changing dynamics of inter-Korean relations — with Seoul balancing pragmatic diplomacy and evolving public attitudes toward unification.
13. President Lee Congratulates Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Ahead of APEC
President Lee Jae Myung congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election as Japan’s 104th and first female prime minister, expressing hopes for constructive dialogue during the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju.
In a Facebook post published in both Korean and Japanese on Oct. 21, President Lee said he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Takaichi in Gyeongju to discuss “forward-looking, mutually beneficial cooperation” amid growing regional uncertainty. He emphasized that Korea and Japan share “the same front yard” and must work together to strengthen ties across politics, security, economy, and culture. The presidential office echoed this message, highlighting continued “trust and progress” in bilateral relations and confirming that working-level discussions are underway for a potential Korea-Japan summit during APEC.
On Oct. 24, in her first policy speech before Japan’s National Diet, Prime Minister Takaichi described Korea as an ‘important neighbor’ and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation through dialogue. She reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to the Japan-U.S. alliance as the cornerstone of its foreign policy and expressed intentions to enhance multilateral coordination through frameworks such as the Japan-U.S.-Korea and Japan-U.S.-Philippines partnerships. Takaichi, a long-time conservative known for her hawkish views on historical and territorial issues, assumed office as Japan’s first woman prime minister since the cabinet system was established in 1885. Her government is expected to balance continuity in regional security ties with cautious engagement toward Seoul.
The new Japanese leader is also preparing for her first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, expected during his visit to Japan later in the month, where discussions will likely focus on China’s regional assertiveness and North Korea’s missile activities.As both Seoul and Tokyo navigate leadership transitions and shared security challenges, observers view the upcoming APEC summit as a potential venue to sustain momentum in Korea-Japan cooperation amid a changing Indo-Pacific landscape.
14. North Korea Conducts Series of Missile Launches Ahead of APEC Summit
North Korea conducted a series of missile provocations ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, firing multiple ballistic and cruise missiles in what analysts view as a strategic show of force aimed at influencing regional security discussions.
On Oct. 22, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea, marking its first launch since President Lee Jae Myung’s inauguration in June and its fifth of the year. Later that day, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) from Chunghwa County in North Hwanghae Province, which flew approximately 350 kilometers before landing in the country’s northeast.Military authorities suspect the projectiles were modified Hwasong-11Da-4.5 missiles, an upgraded version of the KN-23 series modeled after Russia’s Iskander system. The missiles, capable of carrying a 4.5-ton conventional warhead, are designed to strike underground command posts and key assets across South Korea, and potentially reach U.S. bases in Japan if further enhanced.
Experts interpret the timing of the launch — just days before U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to attend APEC — as a calculated bid to raise Pyongyang’s leverage ahead of renewed diplomatic activity. The presidential office in Seoul convened an emergency national security meeting, pledging close coordination with allies.In a separate move on Oct. 28, North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles for sea-to-surface attacks in the Yellow Sea, claiming the weapons successfully hit their targets after 7,800 seconds of flight. Senior military officials, including Pak Jong-chon and Jang Chang-ha, oversaw the test, though Kim Jong-un did not attend, suggesting a controlled messaging strategy.The latest series of launches, including both ballistic and cruise systems, underscores Pyongyang’s continued weapons development and its intent to assert regional influence on the eve of major multilateral diplomacy.
15.Trump Visits Korea Ahead of APEC, Receives Nation’s Highest Honor
U.S. President Donald Trump visited Korea for a two-day trip ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, following stops in Malaysia and Japan, the White House announced.Arriving on Oct. 29, Trump held a bilateral summit with President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju, their second meeting after talks in Washington in August. The two leaders signed the guest book, attended an official welcome ceremony and discussed economic and security cooperation.During the ceremony, President Lee presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, Korea’s highest national honor, and a replica of the Cheonmachong gold crown, symbolizing Silla heritage — making Trump the first U.S. president to receive the award.In return, Trump gifted Lee an autographed baseball bat from Washington Nationals player Dylan Crews and a baseball bearing Trump’s personal seal, signifying the nations’ historic cultural ties through baseball. Trump later attended the APEC CEO luncheon, the leaders’ dinner, and a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping before departing Korea on Oct. 30
16.President Lee Outlines Partnership and Peace Vision at ASEAN Summit
President Lee Jae Myung attended the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, presenting Korea’s new initiative to deepen cooperation with Southeast Asian nations and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.In his first appearance at the annual ASEAN gathering since taking office in June, President Lee proposed strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established last year and suggested hosting a special Korea-ASEAN summit in 2029 to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations.
According to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, the CSP vision emphasizes Korea’s role as a “contributor” supporting youth development, a “springboard” for growth and innovation, and a “partner” for peace and stability in the region.President Lee also introduced his “END” initiative — Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization — aimed at easing inter-Korean tensions and seeking ASEAN’s support for dialogue and peace efforts.
On the sidelines, Lee held bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to discuss online scam crimes and strategic cooperation, and with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to enhance bilateral ties. He later joined the ASEAN Plus Three Summit with Japan and China to discuss broader regional cooperation.
17.Korea Hosts APEC Summit in Gyeongju, Calls for Cooperation Amid Global Uncertainty
South Korea hosted the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in the historic city of Gyeongju, where President Lee Jae Myung urged global cooperation and solidarity in the face of rising protectionism, supply chain disruptions, and technological shifts.
The week began with the APEC CEO Summit on Oct. 29, where President Lee delivered a keynote address emphasizing the role of business leaders in fostering inclusive growth and shared prosperity. He warned against economic nationalism and unveiled Korea’s AI Initiative, comparing the potential of artificial intelligence to the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory, a symbol of knowledge and foresight. The event gathered around 1,700 global business leaders, including top executives from Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK, Google, Microsoft, AWS, and Citigroup, marking the largest CEO Summit in APEC’s 30-year history.
During the main APEC summit on Oct. 31, President Lee highlighted that “cooperation and solidarity are the surest path to a better future” amid shifting global orders. The meeting, themed “Towards a More Connected, Resilient Region and Beyond,” brought together leaders from 21 APEC member economies, including guest delegates such as the UAE’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al Nahyan.
President Lee met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time during the summit—Xi’s first visit to Korea in 11 years. The two leaders are set to discuss denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula in a bilateral meeting. Lee welcomed Xi with Hwangnam-ppang, a traditional Gyeongju pastry, sending over 200 boxes as gifts to visiting delegations.
Earlier in the week, U.S. President Donald Trump visited Gyeongju for a bilateral summit with Lee before attending regional meetings in Busan. He later departed Korea ahead of the APEC sessions, represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.The summit also featured a working lunch with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), where Lee outlined Korea’s policies on AI and demographic change, envisioning the Asia-Pacific as a “bridge to the AI era.” South Korea aims to adopt a “Gyeongju Declaration” at the summit’s conclusion, spotlighting technological innovation and demographic transformation. The APEC meetings concluded with a welcome dinner hosted by President Lee, emceed by actor Cha Eun-woo and prepared by Korean American chef Edward Lee, celebrating Korea’s cultural and culinary heritage.
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