In Seoul, President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea acknowledged the difficulty in reaching a tariff agreement with the United States by the upcoming deadline set by President Donald Trump. During a news conference, President Lee highlighted the ongoing efforts of both nations to clarify their positions and find common ground.
This press briefing marked President Lee’s first since assuming office last month. He emphasized his dedication to mending strained relations with North Korea, while admitting that rebuilding trust between the Koreas will be a challenging and prolonged process. The new South Korean administration faces multiple challenges, including U.S. trade policies under Trump’s “America First” agenda, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and domestic economic issues. Lee, a liberal leader, assumed the presidency following his victory in an expedited election, consequent to the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Describing the ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S., President Lee remarked that the discussions have been challenging and necessitate outcomes that are mutually beneficial. “It’s tough to predict if we can conclude the negotiations by July 8. However, we are striving for a reciprocal result that advantages both nations,” Lee stated. The current hold on global reciprocal tariffs by Trump is set to end on July 9, which may lead to significant taxes on South Korean exports. The United States is also pursuing higher tariffs on critical South Korean exports like automobiles and semiconductors, raising concerns in Seoul about potential additional demands on defense costs.
President Lee has consistently advocated for taking a measured approach to tariff discussions, suggesting that hasty agreements may not align with national interests. As part of these efforts, South Korea’s trade minister Yeo Han-koo is planning a visit to Washington to discuss these issues.
Regarding North Korea, President Lee expressed his intention to restart the stalled negotiations with Pyongyang, particularly in light of North Korea’s increasing military collaboration with Russia. “Improving relations with North Korea should be founded on strong South Korea-U.S. cooperation,” Lee stated. While Lee faces criticism over his perceived leniency towards North Korea and China, he emphasizes pragmatic diplomacy, with a focus on reinforcing the U.S. alliance and maintaining peaceful relations with North Korea, China, and Russia.
Lee has also suggested more frequent summits with Japan as part of his diplomatic efforts. His administration has undertaken notable initiatives to foster trust with North Korea, including ceasing anti-North propaganda and controlling border leaflet campaigns.
Meanwhile, President Trump has signaled a willingness to engage in diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a move that President Lee has indicated he supports. Although North Korea has not officially reacted to these overtures, reports indicate a cessation of propaganda broadcasts along the South Korean border. Despite these gestures, North Korea continues to distance itself from talks with South Korea and the U.S. following the breakdown of previous negotiations in 2019, and is currently enhancing its relationship with Russia through military collaborations.