Korea-U.S. Tariff 'Big Deal', President Lee: "It Was a Beautiful Negotiation" [Gyeongju APEC]

Trump Calls Lee "The Best Leader in Negotiations"
Offers Public Praise at the Special Dinner

"It was a truly wonderful and beautiful negotiation."

President Lee Jaemyung shared this sentiment regarding the South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. On October 30, President Lee expressed his thoughts on the dramatic conclusion of the tariff negotiations through his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts. The two countries finalized the details of a $350 billion (approximately 500 trillion won) investment fund for the United States during the South Korea-U.S. summit held on the sidelines of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit the previous day (October 29). President Trump also described President Lee and South Korea as "the best leader and country in tariff negotiations," highlighting the significance of the outcome.

President Lee stated, "This was a golden opportunity to further strengthen trust and cooperation between our two countries, and to mark a turning point in the future-oriented development of the South Korea-U.S. alliance." He added, "Through the long-standing friendship and cooperation, we were once again able to reaffirm the true value of the alliance."

Yonhap News Agency

He also mentioned the key topics discussed during the summit. President Lee said, "President Trump strongly supported South Korea's plan to build nuclear-powered submarines," and expressed his expectation that "we will be able to further develop our alliance in a mutually beneficial way by enhancing our independent defense capabilities."

He reported that the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in future industries as well. President Lee stated, "With the agreement on tariffs, we will expand cooperation focused on future industries such as advanced technology development, large-scale investment, and the creation of quality jobs." Regarding the much-anticipated discussions on revising the nuclear agreement, he said, "We plan to continue our joint efforts to strengthen energy security, having achieved substantial progress in uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing."

President Lee commented, "President Trump's proposal to hold a North Korea-U.S. summit is a hopeful signal that could spark a wave of peace on the Korean Peninsula." He added, "As 'peacemakers' and 'pacemakers,' the leaders of South Korea and the United States will continue to make substantial diplomatic efforts for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." He went on to emphasize, "The 'great journey' to write a new chapter in the history of the Korean Peninsula continues."

Yonhap News Agency

It is also noteworthy that President Trump, who secured a 'big deal' at the APEC Summit, publicly praised President Lee and South Korea as "the best leader and country in tariff negotiations."

Kim Namjoon, spokesperson for the presidential office, conveyed these details during a briefing at the International Media Center (IMC) set up inside the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO) in North Gyeongsang Province. During the luncheon summit, President Trump reportedly told President Lee several times, "If you need anything, just let me know," and "What do you need?" President Trump also said, "You should be proud of yourself. I am proud of you, too," offering high praise to President Lee. At the special dinner, in the presence of other leaders, he publicly commended President Lee.

President Trump even referred to Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan, who led the tariff negotiations, as a "tough negotiator." Regarding President Lee raising the issue of "nuclear-powered submarines" during the summit, President Trump reportedly remarked, "That's impressive."

Meanwhile, after the summit, President Lee told his aides, "We need to strengthen our national power," and commented, "President Trump is an outstanding negotiator," according to spokesperson Kim.