President Lee Jaemyung's CNN Interview Released on the 23rd
On Tariff Negotiations: "Time and Effort Needed"
"While Unlikely, a North Korea-US Meeting at APEC Would Be Welcome... Full Support Promised"
To Kim Jong-un: "Dialogue Is the First Step to Solving Problems"
President Lee Jae-myung is giving an interview with CNN at the Freedom Hall of the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 22nd. Photo by Presidential Office
In an interview with CNN released on the 23rd, President Lee Jaemyung addressed the issue of the Korea-US tariff negotiations, stating, "I think it will take a bit more time. However, I trust in America's rationality," and added, "Ultimately, I believe both countries will be able to reach a reasonable agreement."
President Lee made these remarks in response to a question about whether the two countries would sign a tariff agreement during US President Donald Trump's visit to Korea next week, which coincides with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The issue of tariff negotiations with major countries is also a pressing matter within the United States. President Trump has shown confidence, claiming that America's allies are "ripping off" the United States and describing tariff negotiations as "America's payday." However, within the US, there are concerns about President Trump's approach toward allies, with some likening it to a "mafia shakedown."
President Lee Jae-myung is giving an interview with CNN at the Freedom Hall of the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 22nd. Photo by Presidential Office
In this context, President Lee maintained an overall cautious stance. The Korea-US tariff negotiations are an economically significant issue, and the possibility of a North Korea-US summit could become a major variable in the situation on the Korean Peninsula. President Lee stated, "Ultimately, I believe we will reach a rational outcome that everyone can accept regarding the Korea-US tariff negotiations. This is because we are allies and share common sense and rationality."
He also shared his thoughts on the possibility of a meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong-un, Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission. President Lee remarked, "If the two leaders of the United States and North Korea were to suddenly meet, I think that would be a good thing." He added, "I believe President Trump has the will to achieve world peace, which is why I asked him to take on the role of a peacemaker."
President Trump hopes to meet with Chairman Kim on the sidelines of the APEC Summit. While the Presidential Office and the government consider the likelihood to be low, they are not ruling out the possibility of a surprise meeting. Preparatory measures are also being taken for a potential North Korea-US summit, such as the United Nations Command suspending special tours of the Joint Security Area (JSA) during the APEC period.
When asked, "If Chairman Kim is listening to this interview now, what message would you like to convey?" President Lee replied, "Meeting and having a conversation with the other party would be the first step toward solving many problems."
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