SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has withdrawn from attending the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, citing pressing domestic commitments and heightened global uncertainty stemming from the deepening Middle East crisis.
In a statement released by the Presidential Office on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, the administration confirmed that the president would remain in Seoul to address unfolding national issues, while National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will attend the high-level diplomatic gathering on his behalf.
The two-day summit, scheduled to open this week in the Dutch capital, is expected to focus on key agenda items such as deterrence strategy, collective defense commitments, and increased allied defense spending, especially in light of the evolving global security landscape.
President Lee’s decision comes amid growing international unease over the escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, which many fear could spiral into a broader regional conflict. Seoul is particularly sensitive to geopolitical volatility due to its own security dynamics with North Korea, and has sought to maintain a careful balance between international commitments and domestic stability.
“While South Korea remains a committed global partner, the president has decided that his presence is required at home at this critical moment,” said a senior government official familiar with the decision.
This marks the first time since 2022 that a South Korean head of state will be absent from the NATO summit, a platform that has increasingly engaged Indo-Pacific partners on matters of mutual security.
Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, a veteran diplomat and former envoy to nuclear talks, is expected to deliver Seoul’s position on strategic partnerships, cyber defense cooperation, and military readiness. He will also meet with NATO leaders on the sidelines to discuss regional and bilateral security matters.
Analysts say President Lee’s absence is unlikely to affect long-term ties between South Korea and NATO, but it does highlight the growing complexity of managing domestic and international expectations in a multipolar world.
South Korea continues to participate in NATO’s partner framework as a non-member ally, strengthening defense coordination on issues such as cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and maritime security.
