President Lee Jae-myung will not attend the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands, citing pressing domestic issues and rising geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced on Sunday that while Lee had considered attending the June 24-25 meeting in the Hague, he concluded that current circumstances made it untenable. South Korea is now coordinating with NATO on whether a different official will attend in his place.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and growing concerns about the direction of NATO deliberations. Moreover, the upcoming confirmation hearing for prime minister nominee Kim Min-seok was also likely a key factor in Lee’s decision not to attend the meeting. After he is approved by the National Assembly, Kim will be able to recommend Cabinet ministers, enabling Lee to formally appoint the full Cabinet.