Lee emphasizes US alliance while managing differences for Korea's interest.
Context
What happened: President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea should keep strengthening its US alliance while managing differences through dialogue and compromise, and rejected "submissive" diplomacy.
Why it matters: Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha said intelligence-sharing difficulties are among the allies' most challenging issues and US concerns remain unresolved. Lee also stressed managing ties with Russia, whose EEZ the Arctic route crosses, and with neighboring powers.