U.S. strategic bombers fly overhead as Trump and Putin, after shaking hands at an Alaskan airbase, walk towards the podium. Trump previously launched missiles at Syria during a summit lunch with Xi Jinping in 2017. Captured by the joint press corps. Gordon Chang: "South Korean Democracy and Alliance Fundamentals Are in Jeopardy"

Dr. Gordon G. Chang, an expert on China and Korean Peninsula affairs, stated in an August 15th (local time) op-ed for The Hill that the situation following President Lee Jae-myung's inauguration represents "a serious crisis for both South Korean democracy and the ROK-U.S. alliance."

He specifically pointed to ▲authoritarian use of power during the impeachment and imprisonment process of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, ▲the unauthorized entry into Osan Air Base, and ▲the reduction of the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercise. He continued, "While President Lee speaks of maintaining the alliance, he is effectively undermining the foundation of the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of Korea and the United States," warning, "It is questionable whether the alliance can endure during his term."

Tara O'Connor: "Explain Your Anti-American Stance, Which Opposes Public Opinion"

Dr. Tara O'Connor directly criticized President Lee Jae-myung and his supporters in a post on X on August 16th.

> "Why is the Chinese Communist Party so important to you? Why so anti-American? Yet, why do you send your children to America for education and reap immense benefits from ROK-U.S. relations? With public opinion in South Korea showing 80-99% favoring the United States, why are you moving in the opposite direction? Explain it during your visit to Washington."

Dr. O pointed out that this summit will be "a test for President Lee's policy direction, revealing it clearly to the international community."

Grant Newsham: "Chang's Warning is True"

Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine Colonel and an expert on Asian security, strongly supported Gordon Chang's op-ed in a post on X on August 16th (Korean time).

> "Gordon Chang has accurately identified the serious dangers facing South Korean democracy and the ROK-U.S. alliance. It's hard to believe, but it's true. The U.S. government must pay attention to this issue. Korean patriots are striving to protect their country, but they need help."

At the end of his post, Newsham directly tagged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Dr. Gordon Chang, urging a response from the U.S. government. In another post, he targeted President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party, stating, "This behavior is straight out of the Chinese Communist Party's playbook," and criticized them for "continuing the path of traditionally following external directives."

Distinguishing Official U.S. Government Reactions from Analytical Interpretations

Immediately after President Lee Jae-myung's election on June 4th, the U.S. government and Secretary of State Rubio sent congratulatory messages, reaffirming the "ironclad alliance." While the White House praised the election as "free and fair," it also expressed concern about potential Chinese interference, a highly unusual stance. However, on an official level, messages emphasizing strengthened cooperation rather than alliance weakening are still being highlighted.

Nevertheless, public warnings from conservative figures like Gordon Chang, Tara O'Connor, and Grant Newsham are leading to analyses within Washington that the "Lee Jae-myung risk" needs to be managed. Some experts suggest a scenario where, "if President Lee's pro-China and anti-U.S. stance continues, the U.S. might consider South Korea not as a 'friendly ally' but as a 'managed ally'," but this is purely an interpretative perspective from experts.

However, the argument that attention is needed, considering their relationship with the Trump administration, is also gaining traction.

ROK-U.S. Summit at a Turning Point

The ROK-U.S. summit, scheduled to be held at the White House on August 25th, is expected to be a turning point in determining the future course of the alliance. While official messages remain positive, distrust and warnings are escalating within the U.S. conservative network, and the stability of the alliance could significantly change depending on President Lee Jae-myung's statements and actions.

Depending on the message President Lee delivers in Washington, the ROK-U.S. alliance could be reaffirmed or could harbor seeds of division. August 25th will be a critical test for both South Korean democracy and the alliance.

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