Lee Jae-myung
President, South Korea
Decisions from the two weeks to 13 October 2026
8 October 2026
Orders recall of ambassador to Ukraine over POW dispute
South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine over a dispute about North Korean prisoners of war. The row with Ukraine escalated. [1] [2] [3]
Strongest point is low reversal cost; flaw is Lee cited no evidence, did not resolve North Korean POW dispute, and disproportionately recalled Ukraine ambassador.
Instead: I would have kept the ambassador in Ukraine and demanded concrete evidence on North Korean prisoners before escalating the dispute.
8 October 2026
Orders delay of CPTPP membership application this year
Lee ordered South Korea to delay its CPTPP membership application this year. The trade strategy stalled amid farm sector backlash. [1] [2]
Strongest point is proportional delay; flaw is Lee cited no data and served his own farm-sector politics by optimising for one term.
Instead: I would have delayed the CPTPP bid, but published evidence and farm safeguards with a fixed review to avoid pure politics.
8 October 2026
Agrees strategic partnership and trade talks with Egypt
South Korea and Egypt upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership and launched talks on a trade pact, Lee said. [1] [2]
Strongest point is proportionate diplomacy; flaw is Lee cited no concrete evidence for upgrading Egypt ties and launching a trade pact.
Instead: I would have launched trade talks but withheld a strategic partnership until concrete Egyptian and South Korean interests were evidenced.
12 October 2026
Orders stern response to alleged abuse at car battery plant
Lee ordered a stern response to alleged abuse of workers at a car battery plant. [1]
Strongest point is a proportionate response; flaw is Lee cited no evidence before ordering a stern response to alleged car battery plant abuse.
Instead: I would have ordered the stern response too, but first published inspection evidence and targeted management at the car battery plant.