Former President Lee Myung-bak on Tuesday embarked on his first overseas trip since retiring in February for an encounter with an old friend ready to welcome Lee, who has been increasingly beleaguered at home. Accompanied by his wife, Lee attended a ceremony dedicating the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Thursday on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

The reunion with the former U.S. leader must have been a warming and nostalgic moment for Lee. Though their terms of office overlapped for less than a year ― Lee took office in February 2008 and Bush ended his eight-year presidency in January 2009 ― they were known to have built a mutual friendship based on similar personalities.

During his six-day trip to the U.S. at Bush’s invitation, Lee may have a brief period to feel free of a string of domestic troubles that have gripped him over the past months. Or his journey, which should otherwise have been pleasant, may still be haunted by the tough realities he is set to face upon his return home.

Shortly before leaving for the U.S., Lee was embroiled in a controversy over his allegedly exclusive use of a tennis court in Seoul every weekend in recent months. Despite explanations that he did not know that the tennis club blocked online applications from other ordinary citizens, the case has exacerbated the public sentiment against the former president.

Lee, who was embarrassed with corruption scandals involving his elder brother and other associates during his five-year presidency, has seen the parliament and his successor’s government press ahead with probes into his signature project to refurbish the country’s four major rivers. In a recent meeting with a group of opposition lawmakers earlier this month, President Park Geun-hye promised to carry out an objective and transparent inquiry to leave no suspicion surrounding the controversial project that cost 22.2 trillion won ($19.8 billion).

He may also be subject to a separate investigation into allegations the nation’s top intelligence agency intervened in domestic politics during his term in office. Former intelligence chief Won Sei-hoon, a close confidant to Lee, was banned from leaving the country last month for possible questioning.

Lee may feel he has been treated unjustly in an atmosphere swayed by cold political calculations. What he needs most at this time, however, is to keep a prudent and patient attitude. It is understandable that Lee, who worked as a construction company CEO before pursuing a political career, is actively seeking to utilize his experience as president to contribute to society. He may also be able to help further national interests on the global stage, particularly in the fields of green growth and climate change, on which he placed top policy priority while in office.

For the time being, however, Lee needs to keep a low profile and avoid being involved in controversies until a set of probes into cases regarding his presidency are completed. He may emerge cleared of public suspicion and criticism, some of which his aides say is exaggerated or groundless. Or he may not prove to be entirely free of moral or legal responsibility. Either way, he is asked to undertake his self-assumed roles as former national leader after the brewing controversies surrounding him settle down.

It is regretful for him to have failed to differentiate himself from his predecessors by setting a precedent of leaving the presidential office amid cheers from the public. Still, it may be unfair to say his presidential accomplishments deserve no credit.

No matter what views one might take on his presidency, it would be good for the nation for him to eventually find a constructive role as former leader and gain public trust that eluded him while in office. In this context, the recent flap over his inappropriate use of an indoor tennis court may be an unpleasant reminder to us that Lee still remains away from striking a sympathetic cord with the public sentiment.

Known for his enthusiasm toward bike riding, Bush recently took up oil painting, inspired by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Now, Lee may also need a more contemplative pastime than playing tennis.