President Lee’s G7 Debut: Canceled US Summit, Historic Japan Talks, and Korea’s New Diplomatic Era

President Lee’s G7 Debut: A New Chapter for Korean Diplomacy

Did you know that President Lee Jae-myung’s first appearance at the G7 Summit in Canada has become a hot topic in Korea and abroad? Just two weeks after taking office, Lee’s participation in the summit was seen as a bold move to restore Korea’s global standing after a turbulent political year. The summit, held in Kananaskis, Canada, brought together leaders from the world’s most powerful economies, and Lee’s packed schedule included not only the main sessions but also a series of bilateral meetings with key global figures. His debut was closely watched, with many Koreans hoping it would signal a new era of practical, people-centered diplomacy for the country.

The Expanded Session: Energy Security and AI Take Center Stage

On the second day of the summit, President Lee attended the official welcome ceremony for guest countries before joining the expanded session with G7 members and invitees. Here, he delivered two major speeches focusing on energy security and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with energy systems. Lee emphasized the need for diversified energy supply chains and proposed that Korea could become a global AI hub, leveraging aggressive tax relief and deregulation to drive innovation. He also highlighted the importance of robust energy infrastructure, including undersea power cables and AI-powered electricity grids, to ensure stability in an era of rising global demand.

Bilateral Diplomacy: The Missed US Summit and the Historic Japan Meeting

One of the most anticipated events was the potential summit between President Lee and US President Donald Trump. However, this meeting was abruptly canceled when Trump returned to the US early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Korean officials stressed that the cancellation was not a diplomatic slight, but rather a result of urgent global events. Despite this setback, Lee’s team expressed hope for a future meeting, possibly at the upcoming NATO summit. Meanwhile, Lee’s bilateral talks with other leaders, including those from the UK, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico, focused on strengthening economic ties, trade, and security cooperation.

The Lee-Ishiba Summit: A Milestone in Korea-Japan Relations

With the US summit off the table, attention shifted to Lee’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This was the first Korea-Japan summit since Lee took office and coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization and the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation. Both leaders agreed to resume shuttle diplomacy—regular reciprocal visits—and to deepen cooperation in security, economics, and culture. They acknowledged the challenges posed by North Korea and global instability, but also expressed hope for a more mature and resilient partnership. While historical issues like wartime labor and comfort women remain sensitive, the tone was notably forward-looking, with both sides emphasizing mutual respect and practical collaboration.

Community Reactions: Hopes, Skepticism, and Cultural Insights

Korean online communities such as Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, and DC Inside buzzed with reactions to Lee’s G7 debut and the Japan summit. Positive comments praised Lee’s proactive diplomacy and his ability to restore Korea’s international image after recent political turmoil. Some users highlighted the symbolism of meeting Ishiba during such a historic year, hoping for real progress on economic and security issues. However, skepticism remains, especially regarding unresolved historical disputes with Japan. A few posts questioned whether the summit would lead to tangible results or just be another photo opportunity. On Naver and Tistory blogs, writers analyzed Lee’s speeches, noting his focus on practical solutions and his efforts to position Korea as a leader in AI and energy. Many bloggers expressed cautious optimism, while others urged the government to prioritize national interests and avoid being overshadowed by larger powers.

Cultural Context: Why This Summit Matters to Global Fans

For international readers, it’s important to understand the deep historical and emotional context behind Korea-Japan relations. The two countries share a complex past, marked by colonization, war, and ongoing disputes over history and territory. This year’s summit was especially significant, not just for its diplomatic symbolism but for its potential to reset the relationship in a rapidly changing world. Lee’s emphasis on ‘pragmatic diplomacy’ reflects a broader trend in Korean society, where younger generations are increasingly focused on the future rather than the past. At the same time, issues like energy security and AI are at the forefront of global concerns, making Korea’s leadership in these areas particularly relevant. The G7 summit offered a stage for Korea to showcase its resilience, innovation, and commitment to international cooperation.

Media and Political Reactions: A Divided but Hopeful Nation

Korean media and political parties offered mixed but generally hopeful assessments of Lee’s G7 performance. The ruling party praised his efforts to restore Korea’s status and called for unity in pursuing national interests. The opposition urged Lee to deliver real results and avoid using the summit as a distraction from domestic challenges. Analysts noted that Lee’s diplomatic style—marked by humor, empathy, and a focus on practical outcomes—was well received by other leaders. The summit was widely seen as a successful debut, with many hoping it would lay the groundwork for more active and effective Korean diplomacy in the years ahead.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Korean Diplomacy

As President Lee returns from Canada, the spotlight remains on how his administration will follow up on the momentum from the G7. With ongoing trade negotiations with the US, renewed shuttle diplomacy with Japan, and ambitious plans for AI and energy, Korea faces both opportunities and challenges on the global stage. Community discussions reflect a mix of pride, hope, and cautious realism—a reminder that in today’s interconnected world, diplomacy is as much about public sentiment as it is about official agreements. For global fans of Korean culture and politics, Lee’s G7 debut is a story worth watching, as it signals not just a new leader, but a new direction for Korea’s place in the world.