Overview

• Lee Jae-myung, leading in polls for South Korea's June 3 snap election, pledges to strengthen the South Korea–U.S. alliance and enhance trilateral ties with Japan.
• Campaign adviser Kim Hyun-chong met with senior U.S. officials to discuss tariff exemptions, trade cooperation, and regional security concerns.
• The U.S. has paused 25% reciprocal tariffs on South Korean goods until July 8, with Lee's campaign seeking a resolution, particularly for the auto sector, which accounts for 67% of South Korea's trade surplus with the U.S.
• Lee's team aligns with U.S. condemnation of North Korea's recent missile launches and advocates bolstering South Korea's asymmetric defense capabilities.
• Discussions on adjustments to the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea remain undisclosed as Lee's campaign emphasizes maintaining strong security ties.