Tariff Negotiations Emerge as the Key Focus of the APEC Summit
Clear Differences Between Parties on the South Korea-U.S. Tariff Talks
Regarding the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit, where issues such as tariff negotiations will be discussed, the Democratic Party of Korea emphasized that the pursuit of 'national interest' should take precedence over deadlines. The People Power Party, on the other hand, highlighted the difficulties faced by businesses due to uncertainty and called for swift negotiations.
At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on this day, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae stated, "With regard to the South Korea-U.S. summit and the tariff negotiations, as President Lee Jaemyung has emphasized, I hope that the outcome will be based on common sense and rationality." He added, "The ultimate goal of diplomacy is the pursuit of national interest." He went on to say, "It is not about whether it is done quickly or slowly; what matters most is whether we actually secure our national interest or not."
Democratic Party Supreme Council member Lee Eonju commented on the summit, saying, "I hope this will lead to meaningful progress that is a win-win for both countries." She added, "This summit is an opportunity for South Korea and the United States to further strengthen the trust between allies in both security and economic spheres, and to solidify our strategic alliance in the economic and industrial sectors as well." She continued, "The Democratic Party will actively support the Lee Jaemyung administration's pragmatic, national interest-focused foreign policy."
Democratic Party lawmaker Kwon Chilsung, in a KBS radio interview, said, "Our goal should not be to reach a conclusion quickly." He emphasized, "Rather than rushing, we need to negotiate persistently with the United States until our position is fully reflected, demonstrating endurance and tenacity."
On the 28th, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, Lee Jesuk, CEO of Lee Jesuk Advertising Research Institute, is performing with a placard featuring the face of U.S. President Donald Trump near the Gyeongju HICO Convention Center. 2025.10.28 Photo by Kang Jinhyung
People Power Party lawmaker Kim Heejung, speaking on the same radio program, said, "It is regrettable that there does not seem to be a determination to go 'all in' and do our utmost to conclude the negotiations this time." She pointed out, "Even if there is a will to stabilize the market as quickly as possible with good terms, this is actually a very difficult negotiation, and it could send the wrong signal that South Korea is not committed to the tariff talks." Kim also stated, "It is South Korea, not the United States, that suffers from the pain of extended negotiations."
People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jaeseop, in an SBS radio interview, cited the tariff negotiations as the most notable event at this APEC summit. He said, "We know about President Lee and President Trump discussing a 15% tariff and $350 billion in U.S.-bound investment, but there is still uncertainty in the market about what will happen and whether anything has been finalized." He added, "This is not a situation where we can wait indefinitely, and the growing uncertainty in the market is causing anxiety." He continued, "I hope that at least this tariff negotiation can be concluded quickly and safely," and "It would be best if the most significant achievement of the APEC summit lies in this."
Former lawmaker Jang Sungmin wrote on social media, "If, after today's South Korea-U.S. summit, President Trump responds by saying, 'I will do whatever I can to help South Korea,' that alone would make the summit a great success." He added, "What is urgently needed now is skillful diplomatic leadership to prevent the Korean Peninsula from becoming a new battleground in the U.S.-China conflict."
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