Friendship on the Fairway? South Korea Seeks to Leverage Golf for U.S. Relations

Amid anxieties surrounding Donald Trump's potential second term and its implications for climate action, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is strategizing a different kind of "green" diplomacy: golf.

Reuters reports that Yoon, after an eight-year hiatus from the sport, has resumed practicing in anticipation of future meetings with the golf-loving U.S. President-elect. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / 대한민국 대통령실 / Wikimedia

This move comes after Yoon's office confirmed on Tuesday that he recently visited a golf course, his first such outing since 2016. Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service / Wikimedia

This strategic move reflects Yoon's desire to build rapport with Trump, having been told by "a lot of people close to President Trump… (that) President Yoon and Trump will have good chemistry," as he stated during a press conference following a congratulatory call to the President-elect. DAMON HIGGINS / PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This sentiment is echoed by analysts who suggest Yoon aims to leverage a potential personal friendship to safeguard South Korea's interests amidst Trump's "America First" policies. Mike Hensdill/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

South Korea's heavy reliance on trade with the U.S., coupled with the past friction over troop deployment costs during Trump's first term, necessitates a proactive approach from Seoul.

The government is actively preparing for significant economic shifts and Yoon has initiated discussions between government and industry leaders to navigate the anticipated challenges. 首相官邸 / Wikimedia

Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korean affairs expert at King's College London, told Reuters he believes the shared traits and outsider perspectives of both leaders may foster a positive relationship.

He also notes that Yoon is "generally well-liked by policy-makers in the United States," which could be advantageous. Office of the Vice President of the United States / Wikimedia

However, Bruce Klingner of the Heritage Foundation cautions that while a strong personal connection is possible, it may not shield South Korea from potential adverse outcomes, citing the example of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's relationship with Trump: "While many leaders will seek to replicate the friendship that Shinzo Abe had with Trump, there is no evidence that personal relationship resulted in any tangible, demonstrative benefits for Japan." 首相官邸ホームページ / Wikimedia