South Korea’s Lee follows playbook of other world leaders: Flatter Trump

President Trump took to social media before meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday to threaten not to do business with Seoul because of a “Purge or Revolution” that he claimed was taking place inthe country.

- SEUNG MIN KIM

SOUTH KOREAN President Lee Jae Myung, left, praised President Trump's Oval Office redecorating efforts as the two heads of state met on Monday.

But any prospect of a hostile Oval Office meeting evaporated after Lee heaped praise onto the U.S. president — lauding the decor, beseeching Trump to continue to help with Korean peace efforts and even suggesting a Trump Tower in North Korea.

“We've known each other and gotten along very well,” Trump said. After running down the agenda for the summit, Trump added: “It’s a great honor to be with you and congratulations on your election. That was a big one, and we're with you 100%.”

The cordial display showed how world leaders are taking notes from previous meetings between Trump and heads of state, who have largely chosen the route of praise and adulation rather than confrontation as they seek favorable trade terms and continued military aid from Washington. It was one of the first big foreign policy tests for Lee, who took over a country ina state of political turmoil since its former leader, Yoon Suk Yeol, was ousted from office after imposing martial law.

Lee, elected in June, began by praising one of ‘Trump's pet projects: presidential interior design.

“I heard that you recently redecorated the Oval Office, and I would like to say that it looks very bright and beautiful,” Lee said through an interpreter. “It has the dignity of America, and it symbolizes the new future and prosperity of America.”