Director-General Yeo Hangoo Visits U.S. for Tariff Negotiations: "Multifaceted Consultations for a Reasonable Solution"

Yeohangoo, Director-General for Trade Negotiations, who is visiting the United States to discuss trade issues with the U.S. side, is answering reporters' questions as he departs through Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

Yeohangoo, Director-General for Trade Negotiations, stated on the 29th, as he departed for Washington, D.C. to address tariff issues, "We plan to hold multifaceted consultations to find a reasonable solution."

Director-General Yeo made this statement to reporters at the airport on the evening of his departure, in response to questions about the purpose of his trip to the United States. In Washington, he is scheduled to meet with his counterpart, Jamieson Greer, the representative of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), among others, to discuss Korea-U.S. trade issues, including tariffs.

Director-General Yeo explained, "It seems that (President Donald Trump) has the impression that the agreements reached between Korea and the United States at the time are not being properly implemented due to the legislative process in the Korean National Assembly," adding, "I plan to explain various aspects, including the political situation in our National Assembly and the differences compared to the United States."

Kim Jeonggwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, arrived in Washington after completing his visit to Canada and is currently following his local schedule. On the 29th local time, Minister Kim plans to discuss tariff issues with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

Minister Kim also explained, "From what we have heard, the United States appears to be dissatisfied with the progress of our domestic legislative process," adding, "President Trump mentioned this as well, and when I contacted Secretary Lutnick, he expressed similar views."

Minister Kim continued, "I will make sure to clearly explain the progress of our domestic legislative process to avoid any misunderstandings," and added, "Regarding cooperation and investment with the United States, there has been no change in the Korean government's position, so I intend to explain this thoroughly as well."

On the 28th, President Trump announced on his social media that tariffs on Korean products would be raised from 15% to 25%. Kim Yongbeom, Chief Policy Officer at the Presidential Office, stated that this reflects the U.S. dissatisfaction over the Korean National Assembly's failure to promptly process the Special Act on Investment in the United States.