“Fear of Iran-US crisis”: South Korean President decided not to participate NATO summit amid domestic uncertainty and Middle Eastern chaos

President Lee Jae-myung has decided not to attend the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Summit scheduled to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, on the 24th and 25th (local time).

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated in a written briefing on the 22nd, “Despite the numerous pressing state affairs following his inauguration, President Lee had been actively considering attending the NATO summit. However, after a comprehensive review of various domestic issues and uncertainties stemming from the situation in the Middle East, it has been determined that he will not be able to attend this time.”

Kang added that “the possibility of another representative attending in his place will be discussed with NATO.”

The presidential office had been weighing President Lee’s attendance at the NATO summit following his participation in the G7 Summit held in Canada. Political circles had raised concerns that, with the government launched without a formal transition committee and still lacking a Prime Minister, the President’s absence might delay responses to urgent domestic matters. During his presidential campaign, President Lee had also remarked that “overseas trips early in the term should be limited to only the most necessary and important international events due to time constraints.”

However, the situation changed after former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had been scheduled to hold a summit with President Lee during the G7 meeting, abruptly returned to the U.S. following Israel’s airstrike on Iran. With the U.S.-proposed reciprocal tariff suspension deadline set for July 8, some argued that the NATO summit might be President Lee’s only viable chance to meet President Trump in person.

On June 19, PPP floor leader Song Eon-seok publicly urged, “The President should swiftly confirm his attendance at the summit and push for a meeting with President Trump.” It was reported that the presidential office had been positively considering the NATO visit.

However, with the U.S. launching a surprise airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, the situation shifted once more. After extended deliberation, the presidential office announced late that afternoon that President Lee would not attend the NATO summit.

It appears this decision factored in the likelihood that President Trump may not attend NATO at all—or, even if he does, that trade issues may not be addressed—thereby diminishing the practical benefit of President Lee’s participation at the expense of leaving the country during critical domestic affairs.