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President Lee Jae-myung, seen here at a previous Cabinet meeting in Seoul, is preparing strategies for trade and security negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of their first summit later this month. / Source: Yonhap News

After returning from a five-day summer vacation, President Lee Jae-myung is expected to focus on finalizing his strategy for dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of their first summit later this month. According to officials, Lee spent much of his holiday on Jeodo Island in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, mapping out negotiating tactics for both trade and security issues, anticipating that Trump could present demands beyond tariffs.

Although the two sides have reportedly reached a broad agreement on setting tariffs at 15%, key details — including the allocation of some $450 billion in investments — are expected to be decided at the summit. Also on the agenda is “alliance modernization,” encompassing possible changes to the role of U.S. Forces Korea and an increase in South Korea’s defense spending. Sources say the Trump administration has floated a target of raising Seoul’s defense budget to 3.8% of GDP and urged political backing for greater “strategic flexibility” to bolster deterrence against China.

Given Trump’s preference for top-down dealmaking in leader-level talks, diplomatic observers stress that Lee must arrive at the meeting armed with well-developed arguments. They also caution that Trump could suddenly raise issues excluded from tariff negotiations, making thorough preparation essential.

The Korea-U.S. summit is likely to take place on August 25, with Lee expected to travel to Washington the day before. In the lead-up, senior officials have reportedly been seeking advice from figures who have met Trump recently — described as “negotiation tutoring” — to better anticipate his approach.

Lee also faces a packed diplomatic schedule. A Korea-Japan summit is being coordinated for around August 23 in Tokyo, according to Japanese media. Before that, Lee will host General Secretary To Lam, Vietnam’s most powerful political figure, on a state visit from August 10 to 13, including a summit and state dinner on August 11.

A former Blue House official noted, “This moment, right after the president’s summer break, could prove a turning point for major decisions that will shape the political landscape.”