'Korea-U.S. 2+2 Talks' Canceled, Tariff Negotiation Uncertainty Grows... Wi Sunglak Returns from U.S. Today (Comprehensive)

Trump Administration Plans to Impose 25% High Tariff on South Korea Starting August 1
Korea-U.S. Negotiation Table Suddenly Postponed with Only 8 Days Left for Talks... Growing Concerns
Director Wi Holds Phone Consultation Instead of Meeting Advisor Rubio
"Due to President Trump's Urgent Summons"
Consultations Also Held with Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs

On July 25, the scheduled '2+2 Trade Consultation' between the heads of finance and trade from South Korea and the United States, which was to be held in Washington, D.C., was canceled just one day before the event due to an urgent schedule for U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant. This has raised concerns. President Donald Trump plans to impose a high reciprocal tariff of 25% on South Korea starting August 1, leaving only about a week to resolve the issue. The South Korean government plans to reschedule the meeting as soon as possible, but with Secretary Besant likely to accompany President Trump on his visit to Scotland from July 25 to 29, the chances of an early meeting are slim.

Yonhap News

Immediate attention is focused on the outcome of National Security Director Wi Sunglak’s visit to the United States. According to the Office of the President, Wi, who departed for the U.S. on July 20, is scheduled to return to Incheon International Airport on July 24. Unlike his first visit to the U.S. on July 9, Wi did not disclose his itinerary to the media this time.

Wi planned to meet his counterpart, Secretary of State and White House National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, to review the overall progress of negotiations and narrow down key issues. However, due to an urgent summons by President Trump, the meeting did not take place.

On July 21, Wi was waiting to meet Secretary Rubio at the West Wing of the White House, but just before the meeting, President Donald Trump urgently called in Advisor Rubio. As a result, Rubio’s meeting ran long, and Wi was unable to meet him. Although they attempted to reschedule, due to Rubio’s busy schedule the following day, they held their discussions over the phone instead. Wi explained that Secretary Rubio’s office apologized three times for the situation.

Wi stated, “Considering the nature of the role of a National Security Advisor who must constantly assist the President, I decided to respect Advisor Rubio’s position and continued our discussions by phone,” adding, “The phone consultations were conducted thoroughly.” During his stay, Wi also held discussions with Deputy National Security Advisor and Vice Presidential National Security Advisor Andy Baker, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer, and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.

Wi plans to report the results of his U.S. trip to President Lee Jaemyung immediately upon his return. However, according to the Office of the President, it is unlikely that Wi will hold a separate press briefing after reporting to President Lee. This is seen as a decision to avoid creating any misunderstandings with the U.S. side, given that the tariff negotiation deadline is approaching a critical stage.

Previously, from July 6 to 8 (local time), Wi visited the U.S. to discuss various issues, including security and trade, with Secretary Rubio. During their meeting, both sides agreed to maintain close communication to reach a tariff agreement by August 1. In particular, Wi proposed to the U.S. side that issues such as trade, investment, procurement, and security be discussed as a package. Accordingly, the government has been considering putting all key issues, including defense budget increases, tariffs by item, and easing regulations on online platforms, on the negotiation table.

On July 24, when the US requested a sudden postponement of the Korea-US 2+2 trade talks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yoonchul canceled his departure and left Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. 2025.7.24. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Some observers have expressed concern that the cancellation of the '2+2 Trade Consultation' may indicate that the tariff negotiations are at a standstill. Just the day before, news of a successful tariff agreement between the U.S. and Japan had raised expectations within and outside the Office of the President that the South Korea-U.S. negotiations could also accelerate, using the Japan-U.S. results as a reference. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoojeong said in a briefing the previous day regarding the U.S.-Japan tariff agreement, “We are reviewing the details of the U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations,” and added, “If there are aspects that can be referenced for our government’s negotiations, we will take them into account.” She also stated, “We will do our utmost to find the best possible solution with national interests as our top priority.”

Meanwhile, although the '2+2 Trade Consultation' was canceled, meetings between Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jungkwan and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, as well as between Trade Negotiation Head Yeo Hankoo and USTR Representative Jamison Greer, will proceed as scheduled. Minister Kim was unable to attend President Lee’s appointment ceremony on July 23 and traveled to the U.S. instead. At Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. on July 23 (local time), Minister Kim told reporters, “I came here to negotiate with my counterparts regarding the ongoing tariff negotiations,” and added, “Regarding the U.S.-Japan trade talks, I am not in a position to evaluate them yet, but we are closely monitoring the situation to determine how we should respond.”