South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung is one month into the mammoth task of uniting a nation still reeling from a period of political chaos and economic uncertainty.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday that the country is working hard to strike a trade deal with the United States on impending tariffs but expressed uncertainty about when talks would be concluded.

President Lee Jae-myung seeks renewed inter-Korean engagement, but North Korea’s hostility and closer ties with Russia limit prospects. Realistic, security-focused steps may reduce tensions without expecting immediate breakthroughs.