President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 27th that regarding the ongoing Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations, “Everything is still on the table as a point of contention—investment method, investment scale, investment timeline, loss-sharing, and profit distribution structure.” He emphasized, “The United States will naturally try to maximize its interests, but the outcome should not be one that leads to disastrous consequences for South Korea.” This confirms his stance that Seoul cannot simply accept excessive demands from Washington.
In an interview aired by Bloomberg TV in the U.S. on the same day, President Lee openly acknowledged difficulties in the negotiations. However, he added, “While there are differences in opinions, delays do not necessarily mean failure,” suggesting the possibility that negotiations will continue even after the Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for the 29th.
President Lee also referenced last month’s incident in Georgia, where Korean workers involved in factory construction were detained, noting, “If there are restrictions on Korean workers who are needed to build and train employees for these factories, then construction will be delayed,” and called for the visa issue to be resolved.
Regarding the intensifying U.S.–China supply-chain conflict, he said, “Korea stands between the two camps, as if the U.S. and China are pulling our arms in opposite directions,” but he added, “This is both a challenge and an opportunity.” He reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to the Korea–U.S. alliance and trilateral cooperation with Japan, while clarifying, “We will not pursue severing ties or excessive confrontation with China. We will manage relations with China appropriately.”
The interview was conducted on the 24th, shortly after the return of Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom and Trade Minister Kim Jeong-gwan from the U.S.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 24th (local time), while departing for his Asia trip, that the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations were “very close to being concluded,” declaring, “I am ready,” placing public pressure on South Korea.
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