President Lee Jae-myung’s planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada on June 17 was canceled after Trump decided to cut his visit short on June 16, Lee’s office confirmed.
South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said at a briefing on June 16, “With U.S. President Trump’s sudden departure from the summit, South Korea’s planned meeting with the U.S. will not take place.” He added that such changes occasionally occur during multilateral events and suggested the cancellation was likely related to escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran. Wi said the U.S. informed South Korea of the situation and asked for understanding.
Despite the cancellation, the presidential office emphasized that it was not considered disrespectful. An official explained that the U.S. also made the decision on short notice and that South Korea was informed only shortly before the planned meeting. Upon receiving the news, Lee did not show a strong reaction but instructed officials to arrange a new meeting as soon as possible.
The summit was expected to address high tariffs that South Korea is set to face next month. Other world leaders, including Australia’s, were also reportedly planning to meet with Trump during the G7.
The presidential office is now seeking an early opportunity to reschedule the summit. One possible chance could come when Lee attends the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24–25, where a meeting with Trump might take place. “If President Lee attends NATO, a meeting with Trump is likely,” the official said.
Wi said the South Korea-Japan summit is still scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, although the exact time is still being finalized.
