How will Seoul-Washington relations unfold under Lee Jae-myung administration?

The brand new South Korean government and its rebooting of the country's diplomacy will be put at test, especially with its strongest ally the U.S.

How to further nourish Seoul-Washington ties under the Lee Jae-myung administration?

We connect with Dr. Patrick Cronin.

He's the chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Hudson Institute.

Thank you for joining us.

1. The U.S. was quick to welcome the incoming Lee Jae-myung administration with an emphasis on tight ROK-U.S. alliance.

It's only a matter of time before a phone call takes place between Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump, isn't it?

OR the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. said in their phone call that they would hold a summit at an early date.

Is that a good sign and a good start?

When might that be? Can we expect the ROK-U.S. alliance to remain right under the new Lee administration?

2. Anxieties over the security alliance with the U.S. are hanging in the air --namely, North Korea being a persistent challenge.

How can the Lee and Trump administrations work together against Pyongyang's ever-growing military threats? The threats are only growing, not only with missile and nuclear ambitions but also with the regime's troop deployment to the Ukraine war.

3. While not stormy, things have certainly been bumpy between South Korea and the U.S. in recent months from tariffs to the defense cost-sharing deal.

What do you think should be President Lee's first step for the Lee administration to take for healthier Seoul-Washington relations under his leadership?

4. The Trump administration is preoccupied with its own matters. Just to name a few the Ukraine war, the war in Gaza, and now a fresh war with Harvard University.

But Trump will one day or has already reached out to North Korea.

How can the Lee government make sure Seoul is not left out?

5. When talking about U.S. relations, we cannot not talk about China.

How can the new South Korean government avoid walking on eggshells with regard to Washington and Beijing and maintain stable ties with both of them?

The new South Korean government certainly needs a more careful and mindful diplomatic approach.

Thank you for connecting with us.

We appreciate it.