South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, as an invited partner on June 16. He called for stronger international cooperation to ensure developing nations are not left behind in the AI revolution, stressing the need for partnerships between donor and recipient countries during the summit's first expanded session on international development aid [1, 2].
Lee emphasized that AI innovation benefits should be shared broadly to support collective growth rather than deepen inequalities. He stated, "Building on the strength of the Republic of Korea made possible by our great people, I will firmly safeguard our national interests and faithfully fulfill our responsible role in contributing to global peace and prosperity" [1].
On June 17, Lee held bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties [1]. Later that day, during the leaders’ dinner, he and US President Donald Trump had an in-depth 90-minute conversation about peace on the Korean peninsula and the future of South Korea-US relations. Lee said they "made significant progress" in their talks [3].
During a group photo session on June 18, Lee asked Trump to lead efforts for a peaceful resolution of tensions with North Korea. Trump agreed, expressing his intention to work toward that goal [2]. Trump also gifted Lee a pen symbolic of their previous summit and personal rapport and invited Lee and his wife, Kim Hea Kyung, to play golf together during the summit visit [3].
The G7 summit addressed pressing global challenges including the wars in Ukraine and Iran, economic instability, and emerging AI technologies. The G7 group includes France, Germany, the US, Canada, Italy, Japan, and the UK, with Brazil, Egypt, India, and Kenya participating as non-members [1, 2].
Lee’s overall trip to Europe lasted 10 days [1]. His engagement at the summit highlighted South Korea’s role in global AI discussions and efforts toward peace on the Korean peninsula.
