President Trump said Monday he was seeking answers from South Korea over reports of raids on churches and a joint U.S. military base. Speaking to reporters before his White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump said, “They probably shouldn’t have done that…we just won’t stand for that,” adding that authorities “even went into our military base and got information.”
Earlier this month, Seoul police searched Sarang Jeil Church, led by evangelical pastor Jun Kwang-hoon, a supporter of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. The raids were part of an investigation into pro-Yoon activists who stormed a court in January after Yoon’s detention was extended. In July, special prosecutors probing Yoon’s declaration of martial law executed a search warrant at the South Korean section of a joint U.S. base. Media reports said the raid was cleared by South Korean military officials but not coordinated with U.S. authorities.
During their meeting at the White House Monday, Lee praised Trump’s efforts on international diplomacy, saying, “I would like to mention that the only remaining divided nation in the world is the Korean peninsula. And I would like to ask for your role in establishing peace on the Korean peninsula. So I look forward to your meeting with Kim Jong Un, and the construction of Trump Tower in North Korea, and playing golf.” He emphasized that the U.S. is not merely a peacekeeper, but a peacemaker.
Trump said he was willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year and signaled openness to renewed trade discussions with South Korea. “I’d like to meet him this year,” Trump told reporters, adding, “I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong Un in the appropriate future.”
Before the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social: “WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We can’t have that and do business there. I am seeing the new President today at the White House. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!”
Sources: Reuters / Just The News
