Analysis: Yoon's uneasy future with Trump

The close relationship between Biden and Yoon presents a challenge to the relationship going forward

Event or Trend: The Yoon administration’s close alignment with the Biden administration has been a defining feature of South Korea’s recent foreign policy. This tight partnership may now face significant challenges with the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.

Significance: South Korea’s foreign policy is at a crossroads. The Yoon administration’s strong rapport with the Biden administration, marked by high-profile defense agreements and shared strategies on North Korea, has strengthened bilateral ties. However, Trump’s prospective presidency, known for its transactional approach to alliances and criticism of free riders in defense, poses risks to South Korea’s stability and strategic interests. Policymakers and businesses must prepare for potential disruptions in security cooperation, trade relations, and diplomatic dynamics as a new administration could demand concessions or even question the U.S.-ROK alliance’s fundamentals.

Analysis: President Yoon Suk-yeol has cultivated …