President Donald Trump has expressed serious concerns about political unrest in South Korea, labeling the situation as a “Purge or Revolution” ahead of his meeting with the new president, Lee Jae Myung. The comments were made as Trump prepared to host Lee at the White House on Monday, where they are expected to discuss trade agreements and defense cooperation.
Trump’s statements stem from recent actions taken by the South Korean government, including police raids on churches and a U.S. military base. He indicated that these actions “probably shouldn’t have been done,” although he did not specify which raids he was referencing. “I heard bad things,” Trump remarked to reporters in the Oval Office, adding, “I don’t know if it’s true or not. I’ll be finding out.”
The context for Trump’s remarks involves a turbulent political landscape in South Korea, where Lee, a liberal leader and critic of the conservative establishment, has taken office following the ousting of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon had briefly declared martial law last December, which ultimately led to his removal from office in April.
Earlier this month, South Korean police conducted a raid on a church linked to a conservative pastor accused of inciting violence during a pro-Yoon protest. The investigation into Yoon’s administration also saw a raid at the facilities of the Unification Church, amid allegations that luxury goods were exchanged with Kim Keon Hee, Yoon’s wife. Additionally, the Osan Air Base, co-managed by the U.S. and South Korea, was targeted by investigators probing the circumstances surrounding Yoon’s martial law declaration.
In a social media post prior to the meeting, Trump reiterated his concerns, stating, “WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We can’t have that and do business there.” He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues during his discussions with Lee.
Yoon had been seen as more aligned with Trump’s policies, having even resumed golfing after Trump’s re-election in 2024 in an effort to strengthen their relationship. In contrast, Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, has actively sought to undo Yoon’s martial law decree and played a pivotal role in his impeachment.
The meeting between Trump and Lee was intended to solidify details of a significant trade agreement established in July, which commits South Korea to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States. This deal includes setting tariffs on South Korean goods at 15%, a critical compromise after Trump threatened rates as high as 25%.
Key areas of discussion are expected to include collaboration on vital manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, and shipbuilding. Defense cooperation will also be on the agenda, particularly regarding the future presence of U.S. troops in South Korea amidst concerns in Seoul over potential increases in financial contributions demanded by the U.S.
Before arriving in Washington, Lee visited Tokyo for a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This visit was significant as it marked a historic moment, being the first time a South Korean president has chosen Japan for an inaugural bilateral visit since diplomatic normalization in 1965.
Lee, who was elected in June, has a remarkable personal story, having risen from humble beginnings as a former child laborer. He faced an assassination attempt in January 2024, when he was stabbed in the neck by an individual claiming to want his autograph.
After arriving in the U.S. on Sunday, Lee participated in a dinner with approximately 200 local Korean-Americans in Washington. His visit is expected to conclude on Tuesday, following his discussions with Trump on critical bilateral issues.
