Han Duck-soo Orders "No Security Gaps"... Instructions to Prepare for 'Trump 2nd Term'

"Significant Policy Shift Expected in Next US Administration"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed preparations for the 'Trump 2nd term' administration and emphasized that there must be no gaps whatsoever in the close security cooperation between South Korea and the United States.

At the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 12th, Prime Minister Han stated, "In light of the results of the recent U.S. presidential election, the next U.S. administration is expected to seek significant policy shifts in various areas such as diplomacy and security, trade, and industry. Accordingly, the President personally chaired the 'Economic Security Review Meeting' last weekend to assess the various risks and opportunities arising from the inauguration of the new U.S. administration and to discuss response measures."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is attending the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno, Seoul on the 12th, speaking about recent issues. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

The Prime Minister urged the Cabinet, "Given the severe security situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea's participation in the Ukraine war, I ask you to carefully ensure that the close security cooperation system between South Korea and the U.S. operates without any gaps." He added, "The depth of the ROK-U.S. alliance has deepened and its scope has expanded more than under any previous administration," and said, "We will actively support protecting our country's security and national interests, and above all, ensuring that our citizens and companies face no difficulties when operating in overseas markets."

He also said, "I ask the relevant ministries, led by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, to thoroughly implement follow-up measures such as activating inspection meetings in the three major sectors of finance, trade, and industry," and added, "Please closely communicate with related industries, share information, and devise effective countermeasures." Furthermore, "I hope you will pay special attention to networking and cooperation to ensure that the sector-specific cooperation projects between the South Korean and U.S. governments in AI, advanced bio, quantum, and other fields continue to be consistently promoted and further developed."