Political relationships and personal connections often flourish over seemingly mundane activities, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is counting on this truth as he resurrects his golf game after eight long years. With the recent election of Donald Trump as the U.S. president, Yoon is hitting the green again, ostensibly to prepare for upcoming diplomatic talks.
Yoon, who has not swung a club since 2016, recently returned to the golf course, taking advice from those close to Trump who believe the two leaders will share good chemistry. During his first press conference since Trump's election, Yoon expressed optimism about their future interactions, stating, “A lot of people close to Trump... told me we will have good chemistry.” This commentary echoes sentiments from previous political leaders who have successfully leveraged golf to strengthen international ties.
Golf has long been known as more than just a sport; it serves as a platform for diplomatic discussions. Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe famously played numerous rounds with Trump, often engaging him on substantial diplomatic issues under the relaxed atmosphere of the course. Yoon is likely emulating this strategy, hoping to cultivate not only any rapport he can with Trump but also addressing key issues pertinent to South Korea.
The backdrop is significant. Under Trump’s first term, the U.S.-South Korea relationship encountered challenges, primarily surrounding trade tariffs and defense arrangements, particularly concerning the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed on the Korean Peninsula as part of the post-Korean War defense strategy. The unpredictable nature of Trump’s “America First” policy raised concerns about the future of this relationship and South Korea’s economic outlook.
During the phone call after Trump’s victory, Yoon indicated they discussed the importance of meeting face-to-face soon. According to reports, this exchange lasted about ten minutes and set the stage for subsequent collaboration between the two nations. The South Korean president is now taking proactive steps to set the tone for his diplomatic portfolio.
Political analysts suggest Yoon is seeking to forge personal ties with Trump, which could be pivotal for South Korea, as possible policy shifts loom on the horizon. That personal connection may be Yoon's strategy to soften any potential adverse impacts of Trump’s policies on U.S. defense commitments or economic cooperation. Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for New American Security, noted how “much could depend on whether Yoon is able to strike up positive chemistry with Trump.”
Equipped with this insight, Yoon has been seen diligently practicing golf, signaling his commitment to this plan. A senior official from his administration hinted at the necessity of such preparation, indicating, “Our president also has to hit the ball properly to get conversations going on” with Trump, who is known for his impressive golf skills.
So what's at stake during these anticipated meetings? For South Korea, maintaining strong economic ties with America is imperative. South Korean exports could be jeopardized with Trump’s historic push for higher tariffs ranging between 10% and 20% on imported goods from countries like South Korea, which heavily relies on open trade with the U.S. Trump’s strategy to compel companies to locate manufacturing within the U.S. raises flags for foreign markets who might face increased costs if tariffs are imposed.
Yet, this isn’t Yoon's first time on the diplomatic dance floor. He previously made headlines with his memorable rendition of “American Pie” at a state dinner hosted by President Biden, showcasing his willingness to bridge cultural gaps. It suggests Yoon is no stranger to finding ways to connect with his American counterparts.
Yoon is not alone on this golf-centric diplomatic endeavor; he follows the footsteps of numerous other leaders who've successfully navigated alliances through shared interests on the golf course. Following the establishment of rapport with Trump, it is expected Yoon will discuss South Korea's strategic position on various pressing issues, ranging from North Korean relations to trade agreements.
While it is anticipated the personal connection will encourage smoother negotiations, experts caution against assuming the sheer power of friendship will protect South Korea from the unpredictability of Trump’s foreign policies. Bruce Klingner of the Heritage Foundation noted, "While many leaders will seek to replicate the friendship Shinzo Abe had with Trump, there is no evidence of such friendliness yielding tangible benefits for Japan, especially when contentious issues arose.”
But as Yoon practices his short game and readies himself for engaging discussions with Trump, the focus remains on whether these encounters can set the stage for stronger ties between Washington and Seoul. An optimistic outlook could make all the difference, especially if Yoon can steer the conversation toward shared interests and prevent unilateral policy shifts detrimental to South Korea.
Both Trump and Yoon's unique outsider approaches may enable them to find common ground. Political analysts observing the situation believe Yoon's longstanding reputation and likability with U.S. policymakers may bolster his chances as he steps onto the diplomatic stage.
Rush hour at the golf course highlights the leaders' varying preparations and their eagerness to navigate these complex waters. For now, Yoon’s return to golfing might well mean more than just practicing swings—it stands as symbolic of his ambition to solidify strong relations at the highest levels of government.
The aspirations of both nations are at a fascinating crossroads, with golf serving as the unofficial roundtable where decisions on pressing matters will be made, from military cooperation to trade agreements. Only time will tell if Yoon's renewed golfing practice pays off, cementing Korea's standing on the world stage as they await Trump's next move.
