0
President Lee Jae-myung speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on June 16, to attend the G7 summit. / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung expressed confidence in upcoming tariff negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that achieving "mutually beneficial outcomes that help everyone" should be the goal, and underscored the importance of collaboration with Korea’s business community.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Calgary, Alberta, for the Group of Seven (G7) summit on June 16, President Lee said, “The key task is to ensure we are not placed in a more disadvantageous position than other countries.”

Lee added that Korean business leaders had given him confidence. “They told me, ‘If the conditions are the same as other countries, it’s a fair game—we can handle it.’ That put me at ease,” he said, referring to his June 13 meeting with the heads of Korea’s five major conglomerates and leaders of six major business associations at the presidential office in Yongsan.

He further emphasized that diplomacy should not result in one-sided gains or losses. “Negotiations are unpredictable, involving many variables and overlapping conditions, but we will do our utmost,” he stated.

This marks Lee’s debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage just 12 days into his presidency. “Attending an international summit so soon after taking office is admittedly hasty,” he acknowledged, “but there was strong consensus on the need to show the world that Korea is back to normal.”

Lee added, “Although Korea briefly lost ground, we are a top-10 global economy, a top-five military power, and a cultural powerhouse. We must quickly restore and surpass our former standing—and proactive summit diplomacy is essential to that mission.”

The president stressed that effective diplomacy is crucial for supporting Korean companies’ overseas expansion. “As a trade-dependent country, Korea needs to foster strong international relations to secure economic opportunities abroad,” he said. “That includes advancing cultural industries and new sectors through international cooperation.”

On the domestic front, Lee addressed concerns over Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok, stating, “I personally asked him about the allegations, and he said they are explainable. I believe the confirmation hearing will provide adequate clarification.”

As for the supplementary budget, Lee said the government is seeking a balance between universal and targeted support. “If the goal is to stimulate consumption, equal support is appropriate; if it’s to assist the vulnerable, then more targeted aid is needed,” he said, adding, “We’re considering a mixed approach and will review proposals from the finance ministry and ruling party.”