Exclusive: Trump ally warns Seoul over ‘unfair treatment’ of Yoon

Fred Fleitz, former White House NSC chief of staff, says perceived political persecution of the ex-president could be viewed negatively in the US

South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac (center) poses with Fred Fleitz (left), vice chairman of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), and Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, in this photo provided by Fleitz.

Fred Fleitz, vice chairman of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), who recently met with members of the Korea-U.S. Parliamentarians' Union in Washington, D.C., said former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol “should not be subjected to unfair investigations or trials.” Fleitz reportedly delivered a similar message earlier this month to Wi Sung-lac, national security adviser in President Lee Jae-myung’s administration.

Fleitz, a key figure who served as Chief of Staff of the National Security Council during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term, wrote on July 28 on X (formerly Twitter), “The perception that former President Yoon is being persecuted or unfairly prosecuted will be received very badly by the Trump administration.”

In a phone interview with the Chosun Ilbo, Fleitz said, “I’ve held multiple meetings with Korean government officials and lawmakers since last month. I won’t go into detail about my conversation with Wi, but I did make the same comment that former President Yoon not being mistreated.”

The meeting with Wi took place earlier this month in Washington, D.C., and was also attended by Steve Yates, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a well-known China hawk who served as national security adviser to the Vice President during the Trump administration. Wi’s response to Fleitz’s comments has not been made public.

Fleitz told the Chosun Ilbo, “I’m speaking from a personal standpoint since I’m no longer with the Trump administration,” but emphasized, “The perception that former President Yoon is being unfairly treated, persecuted, or given an excessive sentence would be viewed very negatively in the U.S.” He added, “Although the situations differ, Trump also faced political persecution after leaving office. Many in Trump’s circle are closely watching South Korea’s political situation, especially the recent presidential election and its aftermath.” Following Lee’s election last month, the White House issued its first official message unusually warning against “Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world,” which was seen as unusual by diplomatic standards.

Fred Fleitz (left), vice chairman of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), with U.S. President Donald Trump. Fleitz served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House during Trump’s first term. /X (formerly Twitter)

Trump once threatened up to 50% tariffs on Brazil, citing political persecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro—highlighting how domestic political issues can affect foreign policy. When asked if similar dynamics could impact South Korea-U.S. relations, Fleitz said, “In my personal view, the perception that a former president of a close ally is being persecuted would be seen very negatively in the U.S. and by Trump.”

Fleitz made similar points last week during a meeting with the Korea-U.S. Parliamentary Alliance, noting that “some were pleased, while others were quite annoyed.” He expressed concern over recent reports about Yoon saying, “He is not being properly treated in detention,” and warned about the possibility of a death sentence or life imprisonment.

Regarding the Lee government, which is approaching two months in office, Fleitz welcomed Lee’s promise of a practical foreign policy close to the U.S. and a tough stance on China and North Korea. But when asked if South Korea could balance relations with China and Russia while maintaining a strong U.S. alliance, he replied, “Definitely not. The U.S. has maintained a strong and close relationship with South Korea for decades and hopes this will continue under the current government.”

On cross-strait tensions, Fleitz called the Taiwan issue a serious security threat in the Asia-Pacific region, urging close coordination among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan to prevent Chinese military action.

AFPI is a common stop for South Korean officials visiting Washington. This week, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol is expected to hold related meetings during his visit.