The second Donald Trump administration will officially be inaugurated next week. A lot of uncertainties await in U.S. domestic politics as well as in a world marred with devastating wars and conflicts. The situation is further complicated with regard to U.S.-Korea relations due to Korea’s ongoing political crises after the martial law fiasco.

I believe President Yoon Suk Yeol would have gotten along well with Trump. They share far-right and contentious proclivities and are strongman rulers. Furthermore, Yoon’s foreign policies including reconciliation with Japan and being cautious of China are what Washington loves because they align with U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region. But Yoon is suspended from his duties, and likely faces jail time after the unthinkable overreach of his power. No more showing off singing “American Pie” in front of American officials. Korea is a headless state now and its ability to focus on key regional and international issues is undermined due to internal turmoil. And Trump’s America First policy along with his unpredictability could pose an issue to the U.S.-Korea relationship.

The new Trump administration........

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