National Security Chief Wi Sung-rak Departs for Washington DC for Tariff Negotiations

Wi Sung-rak, Director of the National Security Office, departed for Washington DC on the 6th to discuss issues such as tariff negotiations with the United States.

Before his departure on the morning of the 6th, Director Wi met with reporters at Incheon International Airport and stated, "Various issues related to trade and security between South Korea and the United States have been under discussion," adding, "As the negotiations are entering a critical phase, I decided to visit the United States to increase my personal involvement."

Director Wi continued, "I have already held similar discussions during my visit to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meeting," and added, "This visit to the United States is a continuation of those discussions. I will share the results at a later time."

Seyoung Rak, Director of the National Security Office, is answering reporters' questions before departing for Washington DC, USA, through Incheon International Airport on the 6th for his visit to the United States. Photo by Yonhap News

When asked which specific areas would be discussed, Director Wi answered, "There are various pending issues between South Korea and the United States. There are tariff negotiations, and there are also security matters." Regarding the possibility of discussing the schedule for a South Korea-US summit, he said, "It is one of the various issues, and I will also discuss that."

Director Wi mentioned, "For now, I am working to arrange a meeting with my counterpart." Accordingly, it appears that he will meet with Marco Rubio, who currently serves as both the White House National Security Advisor and the US Secretary of State.