South Korea’s president is picking up golf in hopes to impress Trump
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has reportedly taken up golf practice in preparation for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump. Following a brief phone call congratulating Trump on his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Yoon dusted off his golf clubs for the first time in eight years and resumed his practice, according to NBC News.
This move by Yoon mirrors the relationship between former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump, who frequently played golf together during Trump’s first administration. Abe even famously gifted Trump with gold-plated clubs.
Trump’s campaign did not respond immediately when asked whether he expected other world leaders to follow suit and hit the golf course.
Trump’s call with Yoon was just one of many he received from world leaders congratulating him on his Election Day win. He also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as leaders from the Middle East and Asia.
The Washington Post reported that Trump and Putin had a conversation just two days after Trump’s re-election. During the call, Trump advised Putin against escalating the conflict in Ukraine and emphasized the presence of U.S. military forces in Europe.
Additionally, Trump and Putin discussed the importance of peace in Europe and the need for swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
During Trump’s call with Zelenskyy, billionaire Elon Musk joined the conversation. Zelenskyy praised Trump’s campaign efforts and expressed his commitment to supporting Ukraine through Musk’s Starlink satellite network, which plays a crucial role in the country’s wartime communications.
The exact details of Musk’s involvement in the call were not disclosed, but sources indicated that he intends to continue his support for Ukraine through the Starlink network.
In conclusion, President Yoon’s golf practice in anticipation of meeting Trump, along with the diplomatic conversations between Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy, and Musk, reflects the ongoing political dynamics in the international arena. As these world leaders navigate complex relationships and global challenges, their interactions set the stage for future collaborations and resolutions.
