Lee Jae-myung successfully navigates White House meeting despite Trump’s Truth Social warnings

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung successfully navigated a potentially explosive meeting with President Trump at the White House, despite fears it could mirror President Trump’s contentious February encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Mr. Trump had raised alarm in Seoul by posting threatening comments on Truth Social about South Korea’s investigations into former President Yoon Suk Yeol, specifically criticizing government raids on churches.

Before the meeting, Mr. Trump warned he would confront Mr. Lee about what he called “very vicious” church raids, describing the situation as resembling “a purge or revolution.” Mr. Lee’s staff feared President Trump would ambush him with these accusations, creating a “Zelenskyy moment” similar to the shouting match between the U.S. president and the Ukrainian leader.

However, the summit exceeded expectations. Mr. Lee described Mr. Trump as encouraging, and their discussions ran longer than scheduled. The South Korean president, who recently shifted from hard-left to center-right politics, appeared well-prepared to handle President Trump’s negotiating style. Both leaders focused on strengthening economic ties and modernizing their security agreement.

The controversy stems from South Korea’s ongoing investigations into Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached after briefly declaring martial law in December. The probes have expanded to include churches connected to Mr. Yoon and his wife Kim Keon-hee, marking the first time a former South Korean presidential couple has been simultaneously jailed.

Investigators raided several religious institutions, including Sarang Jeil Church led by evangelical preacher Jun Kwang-hoon, who supported Mr. Yoon’s protests. The Family Federation, formerly the Unification Church, is also under investigation for allegedly bribing Kim with luxury gifts worth over $14,000, including a Chanel handbag, in exchange for political favors.

President Trump’s intervention pleased some conservative Yoon supporters who had hoped for American assistance. These protesters, who gathered at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun intersection, believe President Lee’s election was fraudulent and view Mr. Trump as their last hope for overturning the results.

The Federation welcomed Mr. Trump’s comments, with spokesperson Rev. Demian Dunkley calling him “the strongest global advocate for religious freedom.” The organization, which owns The Washington Times, claimed its leaders faced “unprecedented and unfair government pressure.”

Despite the successful summit, President Trump’s pre-meeting threats shocked South Korea, with news outlets prominently featuring his Truth Social posts. Analysts noted President Lee’s skillful handling of the situation, avoiding confrontation while maintaining the crucial U.S.-South Korea alliance. The meeting’s positive outcome provided relief to officials who feared diplomatic damage from President Trump’s unpredictable negotiating tactics.

Read more: Trump’s concern over South Korean church raids sparked fears of ’Zelenskyy moment’