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President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a meeting with provincial governors at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 1. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung is using his summer vacation to prepare negotiation strategies for a potential South Korea-U.S. summit expected later this month, with defense cost-sharing and U.S. troop deployment set to be key agenda items.

According to the presidential office on August 3, Lee traveled on August 2 to Jeo Island in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, home to the presidential retreat Cheonghaedae, for a vacation scheduled through August 8. However, he is continuing to receive briefings on security and domestic issues during his stay.

"The president will continue to monitor major national issues, including livelihood concerns, during his vacation," the office said, adding that an emergency reporting system is in place.

South Korea and the U.S. agreed last October under the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) to raise Seoul’s contribution to U.S. troop stationing costs by 8.3% to 1.5192 trillion won for next year. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called South Korea a "money machine" and demanded further increases, making it crucial for Seoul to develop strategies to limit its burden.

Trade issues also remain sensitive. Although Seoul announced last month that it preserved its rice and beef markets in recent tariff negotiations, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on July 31 that "South Korea will make historic openings for American products such as cars and rice," highlighting differences between the two governments’ positions.

Meanwhile, Japan’s TBS-affiliated JNN reported on August 2 that Lee and Trump are working toward holding their first summit on August 12 in the U.S. and that Lee may visit a U.S. shipyard recently acquired by a Korean firm.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said, "The summit schedule has not been finalized. It is under discussion between the two governments, and the date will be announced jointly once confirmed."