[Anchor]
We now connect to the Blue House to examine the context behind the remarks made by President Lee Jae-myung and Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha.
Reporter Park Ye-rin, what is the background behind President Lee directly addressing foreign policy principles and South Korea-U.S. relations at this point in time?
[Reporter]
Recently, there have literally been many issues between South Korea and the United States that could be viewed as "differences of opinion."
These include the announcement of South Korean investment in Alaska LNG pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, delays in issuing a U.S. visa for the former leader of the ruling party, and rumors of discord between intelligence agencies, prompting concerns in some quarters over possible cracks in the alliance.
The conservative opposition has been arguing daily that this is the "worst South Korea-U.S. relationship since the founding of the nation." Meanwhile, some within the ruling camp have also raised calls for accountability targeting the so-called "autonomous faction," including Unification Minister Chung Dong-young and National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-suk. In response, President Lee appears to have stepped in directly today (October 13) to clear the air.
He essentially sent a message to the domestic political sphere: there may be differences of opinion between South Korea and the U.S., but they do not constitute a rift; and while the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains the axis of our diplomacy, that does not justify a submissive or subservient attitude.
Some also interpret his mention of the importance of managing relations with neighboring major powers as a message aimed at Washington.
[Anchor]
South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha said there were limits to communication with the White House, even using the word "admit." That seems quite unusual, doesn't it?
[Reporter]
This amounts to the chief diplomat on the front lines of relations with the U.S. mentioning that there are issues in bilateral ties, and reactions within the Blue House suggest some view it as an "inappropriate remark."
However, some within the ruling camp see Ambassador Kang's remarks as explaining the situation with "candid language," given that unusual tensions in South Korea-U.S. relations have lingered since early this year without being resolved.
On the other hand, there is also the interpretation that Ambassador Kang was seeking understanding, explaining that traditional access and communication are difficult due to the characteristics of the second Trump administration, which relies on a small circle of close aides.
[Anchor]
Then does our government have a response plan to narrow the differences with the United States?
[Reporter]
Given the gravity of the situation, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is pushing for a visit to the United States "at an early date."
Adviser Wi is expected to launch comprehensive talks with the U.S. White House and State Department on pending bilateral issues, and seek a "resolution of differences" through summit diplomacy between President Lee and President Trump on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in China next month and the G20 Summit in the United States in December.
Field Production by Jeong Sang-bo | Camera by Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Lee Seung-hee
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