South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol dusts off his golf clubs, preparing for a potential Trump comeback.
At a Glance
- President Yoon resumes golfing after a decade-long hiatus to prepare for possible Trump interactions
- Golf is seen as a crucial diplomatic tool for engaging with Trump
- Yoon and Trump share backgrounds as political outsiders
- South Korea emphasizes its economic value and defense efforts to the US
- Concerns linger over Trump’s past policies on defense costs and trade
Teeing Up Diplomacy: Yoon’s Golf Strategy
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is picking up his golf clubs after nearly a decade away from the greens – and it’s obvious why.
This sudden interest in golf isn’t just a leisurely pursuit—it’s a calculated move to prepare for potential interactions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, should he secure a second term in office.
An official from the president’s office highlighted the importance of this strategy, stating, “In order for smooth conversations” President Yoon “needs to hit the ball properly.” This candid admission underscores the significance of golf in high-level diplomacy, particularly when dealing with Trump, known for his passion for the sport and his tendency to mix business with pleasure on the golf course.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol “got out his golf clubs for the first time in eight years and resumed his golf practice” as he gets ready to meet President-elect Donald Trump in person, his office told NBC Newshttps://t.co/MTRentQFM5
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) November 12, 2024
The United States is back!
Political Outsiders: A Common Ground
Interestingly, Yoon and Trump share more than just a potential future on the golf course. Both entered the political arena as outsiders, bringing fresh perspectives to their respective governments. Yoon, a former prosecutor, only entered politics in 2022 when he was elected president. This parallel experience could serve as a foundation for building rapport, with Yoon hoping to establish “good chemistry” with the former U.S. president.
“In order for smooth conversations,” a representative of President Yoon’s office said, “President Yoon needs to hit the ball properly.”
While Yoon’s current golf skills—reportedly scoring in the 90s—may need improvement to match Trump’s claimed single-digit handicap, the South Korean leader’s commitment to honing his game signals a serious approach to potential future diplomatic engagements.
The Stakes: Beyond the Fairway
Despite the seemingly lighthearted nature of golf diplomacy, the underlying issues at stake are serious. Trump’s previous term saw tensions rise over defense costs and trade policies, causing concern in Seoul. In response, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken proactive steps, releasing a pamphlet titled “Korea Matters to the US” to underscore the nation’s significant contributions to the U.S. economy and defense efforts.
The pamphlet highlights South Korea’s creation of 470,000 jobs in the U.S. and its position as a major importer of American weapons. It also emphasizes South Korea’s commitment to defense, noting that the country spends 2.8% of its GDP on military expenditures—a figure that surpasses many NATO allies.
Yoon’s golf strategy is part of a broader effort to navigate the complex landscape of international relations. While some may view it as an unconventional approach, it reflects a pragmatic understanding of the personal dynamics that can influence high-level diplomacy.
