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President Lee Jae-myung speaks with participants during a dinner with U.S. opinion leaders on diplomacy and security at a hotel in New York on September 23. Attendees included Thomas Byrne of the Korea Society, Kang Kyung-wha of the Asia Society, Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group, Kathleen Stephens of the Korea Society, Susan Elliott of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, and Daniel Kurtz-Phelan of Foreign Affairs. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung, in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, hosted a dinner on September 23 (local time) with prominent U.S. foreign policy and security opinion leaders, including think tank executives and journalists. According to the presidential office, the event provided an opportunity to exchange views on the Korea–U.S. alliance, ongoing trade and security negotiations, and the North Korea issue.

Lee explained why Seoul cannot accept Washington’s demands unconditionally in recent tariff and security talks, stressing the need for a “reasonable compromise” between the two countries. He also outlined his administration’s efforts to ease tensions, restore dialogue, and achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

“Korea is the world’s only divided nation,” Lee said, highlighting that peace and stability on the peninsula are “central to shaping the global peace framework.” He added, “With President Trump, who has both the capability and determination to make it happen, we will pursue a practical approach through close cooperation.”

The American participants responded positively, saying the personal ties built at the recent Korea–U.S. summit would provide strong momentum to resolve bilateral issues. They pledged to support Korea in their respective roles, noting that Korean investment in the United States contributes significantly to job creation and enjoys strong support among the American public. They also encouraged Seoul to expand grassroots cooperation with U.S. state governments, Congress, and civic groups.

Attendees also emphasized that amid global uncertainty and weakening international order, solidarity among like-minded countries is essential. They welcomed Korea’s active role as a U.N. Security Council chair and upcoming APEC summit host, calling its contributions more vital than ever.

Notable guests included Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society; Kang Kyung-wha, president of the Asia Society; Susan Elliott, president of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy; Kathleen Stephens, chair of the Korea Society; Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group; and Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, editor of Foreign Affairs.

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President Lee Jae-myung poses for a group photo with U.S. opinion leaders during a dinner in New York on September 23. From left: Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society; Kang Kyung-wha, president of the Asia Society; Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group; President Lee; Kathleen Stephens, chair of the Korea Society; Susan Elliott, president of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy; and Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, editor of Foreign Affairs. / Source: Yonhap News