After a dramatic win, Lee Jae-myung steps into power without delay as South Korea’s president amid political chaos. But his biggest challenge lies abroad.
Donald Trump’s tariffs and potential troop withdrawal from Korea are sparking fears of an economic downturn and security vacuum.
At the same time, Trump could strike a deal with North Korea that leaves Seoul exposed.
Lee aims to navigate US-China tensions delicately, maintaining neutrality on Taiwan while proving Korea’s strategic value—like offering naval shipbuilding to the US.
