Opposition Holds Trade Security TF Meeting to Respond to Trump Tariff Policy
"Current Administration Should Enable Next Government to Negotiate"
TF Tasked with Political Response and Providing Guidelines
The Democratic Party of Korea’s Trade Security Task Force (TF), established in response to the tariff policies of the Trump administration in the United States, held its first meeting. The Democratic Party emphasized to the current government that, "During an acting government’s negotiations with the U.S., actions should be limited to confirming positions only."
At the first meeting of the "Trade Security TF for Responding to Trump Administration Tariff Policies," held on the 21st in the Democratic Party leader’s meeting room at the National Assembly in Yeouido, TF head Kim Hyun-jong, former diplomatic and security advisor to the party leader, strongly urged the government, stating, "The current acting government should only manage the situation and limit itself to confirming positions so that the next administration can conduct full-fledged negotiations."
Attendees at the meeting included TF head Kim, Representative Kim Youngbae (secretary), Kim Minseok, the party’s chief supreme council member, Representative Kim Hankyu, Representative Park Sunwon, attorney Song Giho, Representative Jung Taeho, and former Blue House economic advisor Joo Hyeongcheol.
The reason for Kim’s remarks is that Choi Sangmok, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Economy and Finance, and Ahn Deokgeun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, are scheduled to meet with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) at 9 a.m. on the 24th. Kim stated, "Cabinet members of an ousted administration are merely temporary appointees," and added, "All authority should be kept to a minimum until the new government is inaugurated."
Kim also addressed Han Ducksoo, Acting President and Prime Minister, saying, "Han Ducksoo, who has touted himself as a trade expert, must not be trapped in the distant past of over a decade ago, nor should he make hasty concessions to the U.S. out of personal ambition, resulting in outcomes that are unilaterally favorable to the U.S." Kim continued, "If that happens, it will not only undermine his reputation as a trade expert built over the years, but could also burden the next administration’s negotiations with the U.S." He added, "If negotiations are rushed and concessions are made to the U.S. without receiving anything in return, then such negotiations should not take place."
After the first meeting, Representative Kim Youngbae, who serves as secretary, told reporters, "We shared the need to play a role in developing guidelines and alternatives to safeguard Korea, while also responding politically and strategically." He added, "Internally, we decided to divide into three teams?tariff response, trade, and diplomatic security?to check the current situation and prepare and review alternatives."
When asked about "follow-up measures regarding excessive intervention by Acting President Han," Representative Kim replied, "I hope that does not happen," and added, "We have issued several warnings and have set forth our standards, so I trust in the conscience of public officials."
The TF plans to hold meetings every Monday at 11 a.m. and will also conduct press briefings. Additional review or interim meetings will be held as needed. The TF intends to report its findings to the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, who will be officially confirmed on the 27th.
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