International Evaluation of President Lee Jae-myung's Invitation to the G7 and Changes in Korean Politics

Invitation to the G7 Summit from President Lee Jae-myung

President Lee Jae-myung has received an official invitation to attend the G7 Summit, which will be held in Alberta, Canada in 2025. This invitation goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesy, serving as an opportunity to once again highlight Korea's status in the international community as a key ally that shares the values of liberal democracy and market economy. The Canadian government has defined Korea as a 'strong democratic partner' and assessed that the two countries share 'cooperation tasks based on each country's Indo-Pacific strategies, including climate change response and supply chain stabilization.' This reflects Canada's intent to further solidify common agendas such as key supply chains in future industries like semiconductors, batteries, and electric vehicles, as well as the transition to green energy, based on the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2022. As the G7 chair country, Canada has made it clear through this invitation not only to elevate Korea's international status but also to jointly promote global supply chain and climate response strategies with Korea.

International Perception of Changes in South Korean Politics

The recent G7 invitation symbolizes the expansion of South Korean diplomacy and is closely linked to the international community's assessment of domestic political changes. The expectation has risen that democracy will be restored and the long-standing 'constitutional crisis' will be resolved with the election of candidate Lee Jae-myung in June 2025. In fact, the White House has described this election as a 'free and fair election,' and the leadership of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives emphasized their 'ironclad commitment' to the ROK-U.S. alliance. Major foreign media outlets are interpreting the President's victory not merely as a change of power, but as a strong public support for South Korean democracy and economic recovery. Reuters reported that the President, in his inauguration speech, declared a 'pragmatic market-friendly government' and promised economic revitalization. The Washington Post conveyed that the President articulated his 'pragmatic diplomacy' plans to strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance and trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, while NPR highlighted his commitment to 'revitalize democracy and respect the people as sovereign,' evaluating this victory as a 'signal of democratic recovery amid chaos.'

Positive evaluations and analyses from experts

Experts and think tanks are interpreting these political changes positively. The Atlantic Council views this change of government as an opportunity to “stabilize political turmoil and restore South Korea's international standing,” projecting that the new administration will contribute to domestic stability and the recovery of governmental trust. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) also noted that President Yoon has gained momentum in policy implementation by securing stable seats in the National Assembly, stating that his diplomatic stance is to consider “alliances as the foundation of diplomacy.” Reuters predicted that the Lee Jae-myung administration will focus on “restoring democracy” and economic stability, and analyzed that with the ruling party securing a majority in the National Assembly, the processing of legislation and budgets has become easier. In summary, foreign media and experts regard these changes as a victory for South Korean democracy and express optimistic views that the new government will maintain and strengthen existing diplomatic relations, particularly the South Korea-U.S. alliance. While some concerns exist regarding changes in policies toward China and North Korea, the international community generally holds a high evaluation of South Korea’s democratic institutions and market economy, recognizing this change of government as a “positive momentum.”

Specific evaluation cases from foreign media

Reuters: President Yoon promised to "overcome the constitutional violations that have caused a national crisis and restore the economy," forecasting that the new government would be "a pragmatic and market-friendly administration." Washington Post (AP): The report highlighted that President Yoon emphasized "pragmatic diplomacy" and is planning to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation. A foreign affairs expert noted that President Yoon could pursue a 'centrist agenda' on national security issues after taking office. NPR: The promise by President Yoon to "revitalize democracy and respect the citizens" was spotlighted, with the election victory being interpreted as a decisive sign for the restoration of democracy. It also analyzed that high voter turnout indicates a demand from the public for an end to political turmoil. Atlantic Council: The victory of President Yoon was evaluated as an opportunity for resolving political chaos and regaining international trust. The ruling party securing a majority in the National Assembly is expected to have a positive effect on domestic political stability. CSIS: President Yoon emphasized "alliances as the foundation of diplomacy," analyzing that the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada will serve as a symbolic stage for the two leaders' first face-to-face meeting. He is also expected to pursue a balanced and pragmatic approach in relations with China.

Proposal for Diplomatic Strategy at the G7 Summit

As the international community shows high interest in the launch of the new government and its diplomatic agenda, the G7 summit represents a crucial opportunity for South Korea to solidify its strategic interests based on global trust. President Lee Jae-myung needs to establish a diplomatic strategy in the following directions: - Strengthening multilateral diplomacy: South Korea should broaden its diplomatic horizons through the enhancement of the Korea-U.S. alliance and Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, as well as the expansion of multilateral cooperation with the European Union (EU) and ASEAN. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace suggests that South Korea's diplomatic strategy should be centered around "the Korea-U.S. alliance while deepening partnerships with Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe, and strengthening collaboration in supply chains and technological innovation." This strategic approach can help address risks related to China and North Korea while also contributing to the preservation of free trade and a rules-based international order. - Economic security and supply chain cooperation: In advanced industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and rare earth elements, South Korea has already secured significant competitive advantages, and cooperation on "strategic mineral supply chains" with G7 countries serves as the foundation for practical economic security collaboration. South Korea and Canada have signed MOUs regarding rare mineral and battery production and have set a common goal of "enhancing global competitiveness" in areas such as electric vehicle batteries. Policy experts have also assessed that the South Korean government places importance on "economic security through supply chain stabilization." - Addressing climate change and green energy cooperation: In response to the climate crisis, which is another key agenda item for the G7, South Korea, as a nation that has declared carbon neutrality by 2050, can play a major role by expanding participation in renewable energy technology and climate finance. Cooperation on clean energy transitions with Canada can be further elaborated on the G7 stage and contribute to the establishment of joint carbon reduction strategies. - Emphasizing democratic values and international cooperation: As a nation that respects the values of liberal democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order, South Korea should actively declare these values at the G7 summit. As Canada has referred to South Korea as a "strong democratic partner," South Korea should raise a unified voice with the G7 on matters such as participation in the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, addressing the North Korean nuclear issue, security in the Indo-Pacific region, and development cooperation.

Closing Remarks: Changes and Future of Korea

The invitation to President Lee Jae-myung to the G7 Summit symbolizes diplomatic recognition and presents a practical opportunity for the restoration of democracy, political stability, and the recovery of diplomatic trust in South Korea. If practical diplomacy at the G7 stage proposes substantial cooperation on supply chains, climate, and economic security while firmly establishing international values like democracy, human rights, and multilateralism, the international community will further appreciate South Korea's political changes and place expectations on its global leadership. Now, South Korea stands on the threshold of change, fully prepared to advance toward new alliances with the world.