Lee Jae-myung Focuses on Security and Economic Ties During Southeast Asia Trip

President Lee Jae-myung concluded a four-day state visit to Singapore and the Philippines on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with a focus on diversifying South Korea’s economic partnerships in Southeast Asia, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear energy, and defense. The trip occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, which impacted global financial markets and supply chains.

Strengthening Economic Cooperation

During his visits, President Lee emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address shared challenges and stimulate economic growth. He highlighted the need for closer coordination among like-minded economies in the face of global volatility, describing Singapore as a key hub for next-generation industries and global capital flows.

With Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Lee agreed to begin negotiations to upgrade their bilateral free trade agreement, which has been in effect since 2006. Five memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were also signed, covering areas such as AI, small modular reactors, and advanced technologies. Yonhap News Agency

Addressing Security Concerns and Criminal Activity

President Lee addressed concerns regarding crimes affecting Korean citizens abroad, stating that scam crimes against Koreans have decreased by 22% following his administration’s efforts and cooperation with Philippine authorities. This included increased manpower and budget allocation to police cooperation projects. The Hankyoreh

He also requested the temporary extradition of Park Wang-yeol, known as the ‘Telegram drug lord,’ from Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. President Marcos reportedly agreed to “actively review and implement” the request. Park is currently imprisoned in the Philippines in connection with the 2016 ‘Philippine Sugar Cane Field Murder Case,’ which resulted in the deaths of three Koreans. The Hankyoreh

President Lee further requested assistance in apprehending a suspect in the ‘Ji Ik-ju murder case,’ a Korean businessman brutally murdered by Philippine police in 2016, whose primary suspect, former Philippine police officer Doomrao, remains at large. He indicated that South Korea is considering deploying specialized capabilities to aid in the capture. The Hankyoreh

Enhanced Support for Korean Nationals

A ‘Korean Desk’ has been established in the Philippines, staffed with Korean police officers dedicated to supporting cases involving Korean citizens. The Philippine authorities have also created a ‘Korean Help Desk’ at President Lee’s request, providing dedicated police support for Korean nationals in emergencies. The Hankyoreh

Strengthening Ties with the Philippines

President Lee advanced Korea-Philippines ties with a focus on defense, nuclear energy, and minerals cooperation. The Chosun Biz He also expressed gratitude to Philippine Korean War veterans. Fnnews

President Lee also outlined priorities for a novel phase of economic cooperation with the Philippines, centering on energy, infrastructure modernization, and manufacturing. The Korea Herald