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International Business Times
International Business Times
Politics

South Korean President Escalates After Trump Summit, Vows to Target 'Far-Right' Critics, Including Americans

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 25: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung talk to reporters before an Oval Office meeting at the White House on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. During Lee's first official visit to the White House, the two leaders are set to discuss trade and military cooperation to counter North Korea and China, South Korea's top trade partner.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledged this week to go after "far-right" critics both at home and abroad, following his recent White House summit with President Trump. The move has raised alarm among U.S. officials over potential infringement on free expression and transnational repression tactics.

Lee met with Trump on Aug. 25 at the White House to discuss trade, defense, shipbuilding and other strategic issues. But tensions were visible — Lee stayed at a hotel instead of the traditional Blair House, was greeted by lower-level officials, and left without attending a formal state dinner.

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