Eugene Lee

As we haven’t finished the drama with one president, Yoon Suk Yeol, we are just a few days away from starting yet another one with Donald Trump. This is no joke — people are genuinely concerned about how South Korea should respond to the new Trump administration, which began its term on Jan. 20. This situation requires us to revisit our approach from four years ago. The big question is, what are we doing now, and how will this administration differ from both its predecessor and the Trump administration of four years ago?

To begin, we must look at the domestic situation in the United States. Trump and his administration are coming in on very different footing compared to his first term. Back then, he was fighting the establishment. Now, he is the establishment. This means he knows exactly what he wants to do and where to begin. A significant difference this time is his focus on domestic affairs. Consequently, South Korea’s foreign policy will need to adjust significantly.

We need to start on strong footing also, beginning with the inauguration. The leadership of South Korea’s major political parties should arrange their participation at the event (I’m certain the embassy in Washington will facilitate this). That will show that South Korea is not just visible on the global stage, but also things are OK in the country in spite of the martial law debacle. To our political leaders, this presence will provide firsthand information and an understanding of the gravity of the situation.

It is imperative to........

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