South Korea’s President Yoon takes up Golf again in hopes to impress Trump

“Much could depend on whether Yoon is able to strike up positive chemistry with Trump,” an analyst observes.

In a bid to strengthen diplomatic ties with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has resumed golfing after an eight-year hiatus. 

The South Korean presidential office shared that Yoon is back on the greens to potentially bond over golf with Trump, a known enthusiast of the sport. 

Trump’s "America First" stance has raised concerns in Seoul regarding U.S. defense support and trade implications, particularly with the potential for higher tariffs. 

Recognizing the unique rapport that can be fostered through shared interests, experts suggest that Yoon’s initiative could prove vital as the two countries navigate this transition period. 

“Much could depend on whether Yoon is able to strike up positive chemistry with Trump immediately... to foster a close personal friendship that supports Seoul’s interests,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington.

The two leaders have already held discussions over the phone, agreeing to an in-person meeting in the near future. 

Yoon remarked that while certain policies from the Biden administration may shift, “we have been preparing to hedge these risks for a long time.” 

Over the weekend, Yoon was reportedly seen practicing at a golf course in Seoul, though the presidential office declined to confirm this.

A senior official noted that Yoon’s practice aims to ensure he can “get conversations going” with Trump, whose golf skills are regarded as “outstanding.” 

This strategy mirrors former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s approach, who famously used golf to build a personal relationship with Trump, discussing complex issues both in Japan and the U.S. in 2017.