The two leaders were able to converse for two hours during the gala dinner at the Group of Seven summit in France
US President Donald Trump smiles for a photo with President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea during the official banquet at the Group of Seven summit in Evian, France, on June 16, 2026. (pool photo)
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung sought US support for peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula while speaking with US President Donald Trump at the Group of Seven summit on Tuesday, to which Trump replied that he would do his part.Oh Hyun-joo, the third deputy director of national security, revealed Wednesday that Lee spoke with Trump during the official G7 leaders’ gala dinner in Evian-les-Bains, France, the day prior. During their conversation, Lee conveyed his hope that the US would “show interest and involve itself in securing long-term peace on the Korean Peninsula following its efforts in the Middle East,” and asked Trump to play a “constructive role as peacemaker to resolve the issues on the Korean Peninsula,” Oh said. Oh relayed that Trump signaled his determination to “play a necessary role in advancing the issue of peace on the Korean Peninsula,” also noting Trump’s declaration that he would “seek ways to contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula,” and his promise to “cooperate closely with Lee on this matter.” “Trump expressed his hopes that the two leaders could continue their contributions to the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula by describing Lee as a ‘strong leader.’ Lee and Trump also agreed on the importance of trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the US and Japan based on the ironclad Korea-US alliance,” noted Oh. Lee sat directly next to Trump during the official banquet and engaged in a two-hour conversation with him. The two leaders also exchanged opinions on the Iran war, led by the US and Israel, which is now winding down. “The leaders saw eye to eye on the importance of safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. They also expressed their expectations that the return of stability and peace in the Middle East would stabilize oil prices and set their economies on the road to recovery,” Oh said. Lee is said to have congratulated Trump for reaching a peace agreement with Iran and for being able to celebrate that agreement on Trump’s birthday. Talks were also held over funds for a reconstruction fund for Iran. The Financial Times reported Monday that the US was discussing the establishment of a US$300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. A senior Blue House official said that Lee had noted Korea’s “resolve and ability to contribute to all efforts by international society, including that of the US, to guarantee free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
