Lee, Trump hold first post-election call, vow closer US-South Korea ties

The two leaders discussed alliance cooperation, possible trade talks, and even shared notes on golf and political adversity

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump./Yonhap, AP

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first official phone call the night of June 6, just two days after Lee’s election win was confirmed.

According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung, Trump began the call by congratulating Lee on his victory. Lee thanked Trump for the well wishes and reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance as a foundation of Seoul’s foreign policy.

In a readout reflecting warm mutual praise, Kang said both leaders “highly valued each other’s leadership” and agreed to work closely to deepen the bilateral relationship. Trump extended an invitation for Lee to visit Washington, which Lee welcomed, expressing hope for regular, high-level engagement between the two allies.

The two leaders also agreed to meet in person “as early as possible,” whether on the sidelines of a multilateral summit or through a bilateral visit, for what the South Korean government described as “more in-depth discussions” on advancing alliance cooperation.

The presidential office added that Lee and Trump discussed ongoing tariff consultations between the two countries, pledging efforts toward a mutually acceptable resolution in the near term.

In a lighter moment, the two heads of state reportedly compared golf skills and floated the idea of a friendly round in the future — a nod to personal rapport and alliance solidarity.

The conversation also took a personal turn, with both leaders reflecting on political adversity, including experiences with assassination threats. According to Kang, they found common ground in the belief that “strong leadership is forged through hardship.”