Trump: "Korea Tariff Talks Near Final Stage... Key Security Conclusions Reached" [Gyeongju APEC]

Trump: "Had a successful summit with Korea"
On Kim Jong Un: "I know him well... It will be resolved successfully"
Lee Jaemyung: "Solidarity and cooperation between countries are important"

Donald Trump, President of the United States, who visited Korea to attend the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, stated at the official special dinner hosted by President Lee Jaemyung on October 29 that "the Korea-US tariff negotiations have reached almost the final stage."

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a welcome speech at the special summit dinner hosted by President Lee on the 29th at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. On the left is former U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by Yonhap News

At the special dinner held that evening at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, President Trump said, "Today, I had a successful summit with Korea. It was a productive meeting where we were able to make many important decisions."

President Trump added, "We also discussed important matters related to national security," and continued, "We were able to reach conclusions on several very significant items."

He went on to say, "I also had a successful meeting in Japan, where we successfully concluded large-scale tariff negotiations. I believe this outcome will benefit both Korea and Japan."

Earlier that afternoon, President Lee and President Trump held an expanded luncheon and summit for about 87 minutes at the National Gyeongju Museum. President Trump's remarks are interpreted as indicating that Korea and the United States have reached an agreement on tariff and security negotiations.

Addressing President Lee, Trump said, "Thank you for welcoming me," adding, "The golden crown you gifted me was an outstanding work of art, and I was honored to be the first U.S. president to receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa. I will never forget it."

Regarding Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, President Trump said, "I know him well. I believe this issue will be resolved successfully."

As for the upcoming U.S.-China summit scheduled for the 30th, he said, "Tomorrow, I will meet with President Xi Jinping of China. There have been many exchanges between us over the past month, and I expect a mutually satisfactory discussion. I am looking forward to it as well."

In his opening remarks, President Lee said, "It is a great pleasure to meet all the leaders representing each country in one place," and added, "Especially, I would like to thank President Trump for co-hosting this event today, which is attended by many of the United States' friendly and allied nations."

President Lee continued, "The world is currently facing complex crises in various aspects, but in times like these, solidarity and cooperation between countries are more important than ever. Since it is not easy for us to gather like this, I hope to hear your valuable insights and have a meaningful discussion together."

President Lee Jae-myung is taking a commemorative photo with the leaders who attended the special summit dinner hosted by the president on the 29th at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News

For President Trump, President Lee prepared a top-tier Western-style dinner course featuring dishes such as dumplings made with Yeongwol Ogol chicken and truffles, Gyeongju Thousand-Year Korean beef sirloin, Gyeongju Namsan pine mushrooms, and Guryongpo flatfish with Jirisan farmed caviar.

The Ogol chicken dumplings combined Korea's traditional health food ingredient, Ogol chicken, with truffles, a representative flavor of the West, symbolizing a wish for unity among the attending leaders. Reflecting President Trump's fondness for lobster, a poached lobster tail dish was also served.

Notably, the wines served at the dinner were Trump Chardonnay and Trump Cabernet Sauvignon produced by the winery operated by President Trump's son, Eric Trump, showing special attention to the occasion.

The Presidential Office explained, "Through this top-tier Western-style dinner crafted with Gyeongju's history and Korea's rich ingredients, we wish for deep friendship and unity among the leaders attending the special dinner."