S.Korea-U.S. Summit Countdown: Can Seoul’s Pragmatic Diplomacy hold under Trump’s alliance pressure?

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

With the S. Korea-U.S. summit now expected in late August, President Lee Jae Myung is stepping into one of the most complex diplomatic moments of his term.

Just weeks after sealing a trade deal that avoided major concessions on sensitive sectors, such as rice and beef, attention now turns to unfinished details and potential security demands from Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in his second term, is pushing allies to modernize their roles, not just their budgets.

From joint military exercises to Seoul's stance in the Indo-Pacific, this upcoming summit will test how far South Korea can stretch its "pragmatic diplomacy" while preserving strategic autonomy.

To break down the stakes and explore where the alliance may be headed, we're joined now by Dr. Kim Hyun-wook, president of the Sejong Institute and a leading expert on diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy — a big welcome.

Let's begin with the trade agreement just signed.

The Korea-U.S. trade deal has now been formally concluded avoiding further market openings on rice and beef sector. What's your assessment of the outcome?

Still, several of provisions remain in flux.

Although a broad agreement has been reached, several detailed provisions are still pending further talks with Washington.

Which specific aspects should we monitor during these follow-up negotiations?

With major events like Liberation Day, joint military drills, and a packed presidential schedule, August will be a busy month for Seoul.

From your perspective, how might this timing shape the Lee administration's approach to summit strategy — and does it offer any advantages in framing South Korea's message to Washington?

Looking ahead, a Korea-U.S. summit is now likely for late August.

While tariffs led the last round of talks, this summit is expected to shift toward security and alliance issues.

What do you see as the top items on the agenda?

And from Seoul's standpoint, what specific objectives will the Lee administration likely pursue at this summit, especially with domestic and regional sensitivities in play?

On that note, Trump's call for "alliance modernization" includes raising Seoul's defense burden and expanding its role in Indo-Pacific security.

What boundaries should South Korea consider drawing in this new phase of alliance expectations?

This leads to a deeper question: In this evolving environment, what does it now mean to be a U.S. ally?

And how is that redefining the Korea-U.S. relationship in practical terms?

Since you've been following the footsteps of bilateral diplomacy over the years, how would you characterize the overall state of the Korea-U.S. alliance right now — diplomatically, militarily, and economically?

Widening the lens, with Trump, Xi, and Putin all asserting hardline postures, how much room does South Korea realistically have to maneuver diplomatically in this era of strongman politics?

And finally, what single factor do you believe will most decisively shape the Korea-U.S. alliance in the year ahead?