"Prolonged Negotiations Are Not Desirable... The Agreement Must Be Feasible and Sustainable"
"Considering Various Scenarios That May Arise After the Tariff Negotiations"
National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak stated that there is a possibility of finding a compromise regarding the stalled South Korea-United States tariff negotiations. While he could not specify a timeline for reaching an agreement, he emphasized that efforts are being made to achieve a sustainable agreement that aligns with the national interest and capabilities.
On September 17, during a meeting with the Korea News Editors’ Association at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Advisor Wi said, “It is not a matter of stalling for time to see how elections or lawsuits in the United States unfold. Rather, it is simply taking time to adjust positions between South Korea and the United States,” adding, “I do not believe there is no possibility of finding a compromise.”
He also stated that while reaching an agreement is important, it is even more critical that the agreement does not undermine the national interest. Advisor Wi said, “It is not desirable for the negotiations to be prolonged, but what matters is the content of the agreement. It must be feasible and sustainable.” He continued, “I cannot say when this will happen, but if both sides coordinate their positions, a common ground can be found.”
Regarding the more specific negotiation status of the 350 billion dollar investment fund in the United States, he said that various potential issues that could arise after the tariff negotiations are being considered.
Advisor Wi addressed concerns that the United States’ strong pressure could render negotiations over the investment fund unprofitable, stating, “What we are currently discussing takes into account the various issues that may arise from the results of the negotiations. We are striving to reach an agreement that is sustainable and in line with our national interest and capabilities. If we reach an agreement, it must be sustainable and must not be detrimental to us.”
He added, “Even recently, there were discussions in Washington, D.C., but there was little progress until we launched the alliance modernization negotiations. Tariffs are a financial issue, and the negotiations have reached several turning points. Initially, the focus was mainly on tariff and non-tariff issues, but later it shifted to investment matters.”
Advisor Wi went on to say, “We must acknowledge that we are in entirely unfamiliar circumstances,” and added, “President Donald Trump is a political leader with a unique character. There is a high degree of unpredictability.”
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