US Visit Kim Sung-han National Security Office Chief "Will Try to Understand the Intentions Behind the US Semiconductor Act"

Negotiations on Timing, Level, and Agenda of Next Month's Korea-US Summit

Kim Sung-han, Director of the National Security Office, stated on the 5th (local time) that he intends to understand the true intentions of the United States through in-depth discussions regarding the U.S.'s stringent semiconductor support law.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim, who is visiting the U.S. until the 8th, met with correspondents at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC and said, "Although we are allies, our interests may align or our priorities may differ, so I plan to have open and honest consultations."

He explained, "I think it is necessary to grasp the U.S.'s intentions more deeply, which may differ from what is known domestically."

On the 28th of last month, the U.S. announced conditions for semiconductor subsidy support, including ▲excess profit sharing ▲restrictions on dividends and share buybacks ▲submission of financial plans ▲allowing the Department of Defense access to production facilities ▲limitations on semiconductor production capacity in China. These conditions raised concerns among global semiconductor companies, including those in South Korea, due to risks of exposing trade secrets and excessive subsidy requirements.

Kim said, "The U.S. and South Korea are essentially in the same boat regarding supply chain cooperation," adding, "I will monitor which aspects of the semiconductor law the U.S. plans to implement align well with our industry and economic interests, and which parts might cause conflicts."

Regarding questions about whether the U.S. allowing Ford Motor Company and Chinese battery maker CATL to jointly invest in a battery plant was a betrayal to domestic companies, he responded, "There are reports that differ from what has been reported domestically, so I will verify."

During his visit, Kim plans to meet with Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, to discuss the timing, level, stages, and agenda of the anticipated South Korea-U.S. summit next month. When asked if the summit schedule might be announced during his visit, he replied, "We need to consult on that."

Kim also intends to explore ways to strengthen the U.S.'s extended deterrence against North Korea during these meetings. He stated, "We will focus on discussing measures to enhance public trust in the nuclear umbrella."

Regarding progress in negotiations over the forced labor compensation issue between South Korea and Japan, he said, "The U.S. has shown great interest," and added, "If a new era in South Korea-Japan relations opens, South Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation will be upgraded, and furthermore, the trilateral cooperation could develop into a more comprehensive and enriched relationship."

However, when asked if the South Korea-Japan summit is a precondition for the South Korea-U.S. summit, he drew a clear line, saying, "They are being treated as separate issues."