Acting President Han: "Issues Like U.S. Troop Withdrawal Can Be Resolved Without Conflict"

Interview with The Economist in the UK
Korea: "The Stationing of US Forces Is Absolutely Crucial"

Handoksoo Acting President Yonhap News

Handoksoo, Acting President and Prime Minister, stated on the 28th regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea, "I am confident that Korea can resolve any issue in a way that avoids conflict."

The Prime Minister's Office revealed that on this day, it released an interview Handoksoo had given to The Economist on the 22nd, in which he remarked, "The stationing of U.S. forces is absolutely crucial for us."

Handoksoo also emphasized that, regarding the U.S. demand for 'one-stop negotiations' by linking trade and economic issues with security, "Through cooperative negotiations with the United States, both countries can find a win-win solution."

Handoksoo described the U.S. decision to impose a 25% reciprocal tariff on Korea?later postponed for 90 days?as "shock therapy," and commented that the tariffs on automobiles and steel are "very painful."

He then mentioned the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project as a potential deal that President Trump could take pride in. Handoksoo explained, "There is a project to construct a 1,300-kilometer gas pipeline and liquefaction plant in Alaska for export to Asia," adding that "Korean and Japanese companies could participate."

Regarding President Trump's complaints about non-tariff barriers, Handoksoo said, "There are several points that can be improved," citing as an example "the restrictions on the export of Korea's high-precision map data, which limit the functionality of Google Maps."

The Economist reported on the possibility of Handoksoo running for president, stating, "Some conservatives are hoping for his candidacy, but he is withholding comment on the matter," and added, "For now, the top priority is to avoid a disaster in relations with the United States."