Part 8/12:
Although Lee pledged to unify the nation and uphold democratic values, his campaign rhetoric and early statements reveal a confrontational tone, warning of a conservative resurgence as a threat to democracy. His legal troubles—indictments on bribery and corruption related to a significant real estate scandal—also cast shadows over his presidency.
On foreign policy, Lee has indicated a more conciliatory approach toward North Korea and China, contrasting with his predecessor’s more hawkish stance. He hopes to re-engage diplomatically with Kim Jong-un but admits that restarting summit diplomacy will be “very difficult,” fueling concerns over potential appeasement policies that could strain traditional security alliances with the US and Japan.