South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently dusted off his golf clubs and made a surprising return to the sport after an eight-year hiatus, a decision seemingly made to strengthen his rapport with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Yoon’s office confirmed the news on Tuesday, noting that he visited a golf course on Saturday, marking his first practice since 2016. South Korean media speculates that Yoon’s renewed interest in the game is strategic, aimed at facilitating smoother diplomatic engagements with the incoming U.S. administration.
The President’s office noted that golf, a popular pastime for Trump, could offer an informal venue for diplomatic discussions, helping to build a personal rapport that might be pivotal to South Korea’s interests. “A lot of people close to President Trump… told me that President Yoon and Trump will have good chemistry,” Yoon remarked during a press conference. This statement came after he placed a congratulatory call to Trump, cementing the beginning of what might be a consequential relationship.
The timing of Yoon’s golf excursion underscores South Korea’s focus on diplomacy with Trump, whose foreign policy strategies have historically posed challenges for U.S. allies. Notably, former Trump administration officials and prominent Republicans have offered to aid Yoon in forging ties with the returning U.S. leader. As Yoon warms up his golf game, analysts suggest he is also preparing to address Seoul’s policy priorities amidst the uncertainties of Trump’s “America First” doctrine.
Golf, traditionally viewed as a leisure sport, often plays an unusual but crucial role in diplomacy. With its relaxed pace and privacy, the game offers heads of state a unique space for candid conversation and personal bonding outside formal settings. Trump has frequently used golf as a diplomatic tool, most notably with former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who joined Trump on the green multiple times to reinforce U.S.-Japan relations. While golf did not necessarily yield concrete policy concessions for Japan, it did establish a unique bond between Trump and Abe.
President Yoon’s decision to take up golf again signals his commitment to fostering a similar connection with Trump. The strategic move suggests Yoon’s recognition of Trump’s personal diplomacy style, which places a premium on personal rapport. By engaging with Trump in an arena he favors, Yoon aims to strengthen South Korea’s position amid potential policy challenges. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korean affairs expert at King’s College London, noted, “The similar personalities and outsider approaches of Trump and Yoon may help them get along,” adding that Yoon is already “well-liked by policy-makers in the United States.”
For Seoul, this approach could create an advantage as Trump reassumes office with his assertive “America First” policy. South Korea’s heavy reliance on trade with the U.S. and its complex defense ties with Washington mean that Yoon has much at stake in developing a constructive relationship with Trump.
South Korea-U.S. relations faced numerous tests during Trump’s first term, especially concerning defense cost-sharing arrangements and trade policies. Trump frequently criticized the existing cost-sharing agreement for U.S. troops in South Korea, demanding a significant increase in Seoul’s contributions toward the 28,500 American soldiers stationed there. The tension over these financial obligations caused friction, prompting South Korea to push for fairer terms.
With Trump’s imminent return, South Korean officials are bracing for a fresh round of negotiations. The administration of President Yoon has reportedly held talks with industry leaders to anticipate economic shifts that Trump’s policies may bring. These discussions reflect an understanding that Trump’s administration will likely prioritize American interests, compelling U.S. allies to assume greater financial responsibilities in bilateral agreements. Bruce Klingner, a Heritage Foundation analyst and former CIA member, stated, “While many leaders will seek to replicate the friendship that Shinzo Abe had with Trump, there is no evidence that personal relationships alone yielded tangible benefits for Japan.” This sentiment serves as a caution for Yoon, emphasizing the need for both diplomatic finesse and pragmatic strategies to secure advantageous terms for South Korea.
South Korean companies are significantly tied to the U.S. economy through exports and investments, positioning the U.S. as one of South Korea’s largest trading partners. During Trump’s first term, his administration’s focus on rebalancing trade agreements and bringing jobs back to the United States pressured allies to make concessions. As South Korea prepares for Trump’s second term, the Yoon administration is taking proactive steps to protect key industries and reduce vulnerability to potential U.S. trade pressures.
A shift in the economic environment could impact industries from automotive manufacturing to high-tech exports. For instance, South Korean tech giants like Samsung and LG rely on the U.S. market, and a more protectionist stance by Trump could mean new tariffs or restrictions. Recognizing these challenges, Yoon has prioritized collaboration between the government and South Korea’s leading companies to develop contingency plans for supply chains and exports.
In response to Trump’s potential demands for increased defense spending, South Korea may also seek to leverage its significant investments in the U.S. economy. South Korean companies have expanded production facilities across the U.S., creating thousands of jobs and providing a mutual economic benefit. Yoon could leverage these contributions as bargaining chips, emphasizing the economic interdependence between the two countries in any negotiations with Trump.
The U.S.-South Korea military alliance is another focal point for Yoon, who must navigate Trump’s known inclination for transactional diplomacy. Trump’s demands for cost-sharing during his first term included a sharp hike in Seoul’s contributions to the U.S. military presence in the region, which Seoul ultimately negotiated to reduce but never fully eliminated. The threat of further increases remains a possibility as Trump resumes office with his characteristic directness.
For South Korea, maintaining a strong defense alliance with the U.S. is essential given its geopolitical landscape, particularly with North Korea and China nearby. North Korea’s ongoing missile tests and nuclear development continue to pose a threat, underscoring the need for a robust defense partnership with the United States. Yoon’s administration will need to emphasize South Korea’s strategic value, seeking to retain U.S. support without substantial additional financial burdens.
In light of Trump’s emphasis on burden-sharing, Yoon may explore ways to balance U.S. demands while addressing domestic concerns over rising defense costs. This challenge could lead to broader discussions on security collaboration and a potential reassessment of South Korea’s military spending to maintain autonomy while strengthening its alliance with the U.S.
Despite the complexities of Trump’s foreign policy, Yoon’s apparent intention to establish a personal rapport with the U.S. President reflects a calculated risk in diplomacy. Trump’s interpersonal style often influences his policy decisions, making his personal relations with foreign leaders pivotal. For Yoon, developing a friendship with Trump could open channels for more direct communication, potentially smoothing negotiations and fostering a more collaborative environment.
Nevertheless, analysts caution against relying solely on personal diplomacy. Bruce Klingner observed that while personal ties could facilitate understanding, they may not translate into concrete policy benefits, as seen in Trump’s previous relationship with Abe. Yoon’s aim to cultivate “chemistry” with Trump may strengthen South Korea’s diplomatic standing, but it must be supported by policy actions that align with Seoul’s strategic goals.
Given Trump’s unpredictable approach, Yoon will likely adopt a multifaceted strategy that includes direct engagement, policy alignment, and practical negotiations on economic and security issues. By balancing personal rapport with policy acumen, Yoon hopes to forge a relationship that supports South Korea’s objectives without compromising its interests.
Yoon’s diplomatic overtures to Trump also come at a time of increasing competition in the Asia-Pacific region. With China’s rising influence and North Korea’s ongoing threats, South Korea is under pressure to strengthen its alliances while maintaining regional stability. Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his stance on China, will be pivotal as Yoon works to position South Korea as a reliable U.S. ally while managing complex regional relationships.
In anticipation of shifting U.S. priorities, South Korea may increase its diplomatic engagement with other key players in the region, including Japan and Australia. By aligning with other democracies, Yoon can counterbalance the uncertainties of Trump’s second term while reinforcing a cooperative framework in the Indo-Pacific. This approach could offer Seoul additional support in negotiating trade and security matters with the U.S.
