- Trump is expected to demand a massive increase in South Korea's financial contributions to defense, up from the current 2.6% of GDP to 3.8%. South Korea should shift the narrative from a simple transaction to a strategic partnership to deal with Trump's demands.

- The summit offers an opportunity to modernize the U.S.-ROK alliance for the shifting Indo-Pacific landscape. South Korea must navigate this dynamic carefully to avoid antagnoizing China, especially amidst the risk that upgrades to the alliance are perceived as a "counter-China" initiative. 

- South Korea needs to draw red lines on non-negotiables, while being open to solutions that serve mutual interest. The goal should be to recalibrate the relationship towards a more balanced partnership of "strategic co-leadership" rather than a patron-client dynamic.

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