Jeong Cheongrae and Park Chandae Speak with One Voice: "We Must Approach U.S. Tariff Negotiations Confidently"

Jeong Cheongrae and Park Chandae:
"South Korea Should Approach Tariff Negotiations with Confidence"
Emphasize the Need for Stronger Negotiating Power than Japan

Jeong Cheongrae and Park Chandae, candidates competing for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, spoke with one voice, stating that South Korea should "approach tariff negotiations with the United States confidently."

Park Chandae (left in the photo) and Jeong Cheongrae, candidates for the Democratic Party of Korea's party leader, pose with a handshake before the start of a TV debate held on the 27th at the KBS New Building Public Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group, Yonhap News Agency

On July 27, during the second televised debate for the party leadership held at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul, candidate Jeong responded to Park's question regarding "the impact of tariff negotiations between the United States and Japan on South Korea" by saying, "I hope we can negotiate a better deal than Japan."

Jeong further stated, "According to Beopryul, a Buddhist monk, 'When the strong make concessions, it is considered tolerance, but when the weak make concessions, it becomes humiliation.' In this context, President Donald Trump of the United States, just as he attracted $500 billion in investment from Japan, seems to be demanding investments from South Korea while also unilaterally asking the weaker party, South Korea, to make concessions."

He added, "Recently, the United States lowered tariffs on Japan from 25% to 15% in exchange for investment commitments, and it is expected that the U.S. will use this as leverage to pressure South Korea in investment negotiations as well. I hope we can demonstrate stronger negotiating power than Japan. Simply following Japan's example would not be good for our national pride or the sentiments of our people."

Park agreed, stating, "I believe our country should firmly maintain its alliance with the United States, but we must also negotiate with courage and confidence."

Park added, "It seems that President Trump intends to use tariff negotiations as a pretext to sell agricultural products, services, and weapons, and to demand investments. I believe our party and our country should firmly uphold the alliance with the United States, but we must also approach negotiations boldly and confidently."

In particular, regarding the 'expansion of the market for 30-month-old beef,' Park emphasized, "Since this issue touches on public sentiment related to mad cow disease, it is extremely important that, even if the negotiations are in the national interest, we must consider the feelings of the sovereign people during the negotiation process."