[Gyeongju APEC] Kang Hoonshik: "No Additional Opening of Agricultural Markets in Korea-U.S. Talks"

President Lee Jae-myung is greeting U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived at Gyeongju Museum in Gyeongsangbuk-do where the Korea-U.S. summit is being held on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, stated regarding the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, "I want to make it clear that in this agreement, there was no promise to eliminate additional tariffs or open the market further, including for agricultural products."

On the 30th, in a broadcast interview, Kang addressed U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick's claim that "Korea agreed to fully open its market 100%," clarifying the government's position.

He added, "There is no need for us to refute every statement made for domestic audiences," and explained that Korea has already opened its agricultural and livestock markets to nearly 100% through the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other measures.

Kang also said, "Once a joint fact sheet or memorandum of understanding (MOU) is formalized in the next few days, the controversy will subside."

Regarding the results of the tariff negotiations, he emphasized, "Both sides achieved a win-win outcome," and highlighted, "It is a positive development that we established a new framework."

Wi Sunglak, Director of the National Security Office, also commented in a broadcast interview that day on President Lee's request for nuclear-powered submarines, saying, "We were aware that he would raise the issue," and explained, "This topic was discussed at the summit in August as well, so it was not a statement that caught the United States off guard."

He stated, "Given changes in the situation, such as North Korea's development of nuclear submarines, we determined that it is necessary for us to acquire nuclear submarine capabilities and discussed the matter accordingly." He added, "The President's public remarks reflect his intention to demonstrate a proactive and robust security posture to the public."

Regarding the Korea-China summit scheduled for November 1, he said, "We aim to use this occasion as a turning point to restore overall relations," and continued, "We hope to strengthen the Korea-China partnership over the next five years and address peace issues on the Korean Peninsula."

On the collapse of North Korea-U.S. talks, he commented, "The surrounding conditions are not yet mature for North Korea and the United States to engage directly." However, he added, "Nevertheless, President Trump has repeatedly expressed his willingness to meet, and during the Korea-U.S. summit, he also said, 'I will return next time and seek an opportunity to meet.'"