President Lee Arrives in New York... Unveils Blueprint for 'Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula' at the UN

Keynote Speech at UN General Assembly on the 22nd
Proposing UN Reform and Korea's Plans for Global Contributions
Meeting with Secretary-General Guterres; Engagements with Leaders of Major Nations Including the U.S.
Meeting with Wall Street

President Lee Jae-myung arrived in New York, USA on the 21st (local time) and embarked on a multilateral diplomatic schedule, focusing on attending the United Nations General Assembly. Through his keynote speech at the UN General Assembly, President Lee plans to present his vision for 'peaceful coexistence' on the Korean Peninsula to the international community while also pursuing practical, interest-focused diplomacy by holding consecutive meetings with leaders of major countries. After completing his schedule in New York, he will make a state visit to Mexico—the first by a Korean president in 16 years.

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are disembarking from Air Force One upon their arrival at JFK International Airport in New York, USA on the 21st (local time). 2026.9.22 Yonhap News Agency

President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung arrived at JFK International Airport in New York in the afternoon. The welcoming party included Ambassador Cha Ji-hoon and his spouse from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha to the United States, and Consul General Kim Sang-ho and his spouse of the Consulate General in New York.

President Lee will kick off his official diplomatic activities in New York by delivering a keynote address at the UN General Assembly in the afternoon of the 22nd. The main focus of this speech will be UN reform and peace on the Korean Peninsula. According to National Security Office chief Wi Sung-rak, who briefed reporters before departure, President Lee will use the speech to outline directions for UN reform aimed at resolving global challenges, propose ways Korea can contribute, and present a roadmap for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.

Whereas last year’s UN General Assembly saw the declaration of a 'Return of Democratic Korea,' this year, the plan from the presidential office is to highlight Korea’s policy experience and contributions to the international community. The intention is to position this as the starting point for a new phase of multilateral diplomacy that will continue later this year at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Group of Twenty (G20) leaders' summits.

The Korean Peninsula issue will also be a key agenda item. Following his keynote speech, President Lee will meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to explain the government’s peaceful coexistence policy and request the interest and cooperation of the international community. With an eye on the possible resumption of U.S.-North Korea dialogue, this move signals Korea’s aim to expand its diplomatic role on the Korean Peninsula. National Security Office chief Wi stated, “We plan to propose a roadmap for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula from the podium of the UN General Assembly, thus creating international momentum for our vision.”

Summit diplomacy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly will also continue. The presidential office is pursuing separate contacts—regardless of format—with leaders of countries such as the United States and Australia. The main focus will be on discussing concrete cooperation plans in areas such as energy, semiconductors, and science and technology in the economic and industrial fields. Chief Wi stated, “We will continue close head-of-state exchanges and discuss ways to expand Korea’s national interests.”

There is particular attention on whether and how President Lee may interact with U.S. President Donald Trump. The presidential office has left open the possibility of leaders engaging in a variety of formats on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Given that there are pressing issues between the two countries, such as talks over investment in the U.S. and responding to developments in the Middle East, should such an encounter materialize, related discussions may take place. According to the presidential office, “separate meetings in various formats” are planned with leaders of major countries, including the United States.

President Lee Jae-myung is greeting Kang Kyung-wha, Ambassador to the United States, who came to welcome him at New York JFK International Airport on the 21st (local time). 2026.9.22 Yonhap News Agency

On the 23rd, President Lee will attend the “Korea Investment Summit 2026,” which will be attended by figures from the economic and financial sectors of both Korea and the United States. There, he will present the government’s policies and vision for artificial intelligence (AI), outline directions for capital market reform, and discuss key economic achievements from the past year as well as priority policies going forward. The goal is to directly communicate with global investors on Wall Street and encourage expanded investment in the Korean market.

After completing his schedule in New York, President Lee will travel to Mexico City for a state visit at the invitation of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. This marks the first state visit to Mexico by a Korean president in 16 years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.