SEOUL: South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo expressed optimism on Tuesday that upcoming trade talks with the United States will result in a mutually beneficial agreement, amid rising geopolitical and economic pressures.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Han said the bilateral meeting scheduled for April 24 in Washington was arranged at the request of the US and will address critical areas of economic cooperation.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun will represent South Korea in the talks, which will involve US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Choi, speaking to reporters before departing for the US, said he intends to “open the door to discussions that will strengthen the alliance between South Korea and the US.” Industry Minister Ahn is expected to depart on Wednesday.
While the exact agenda remains unconfirmed, South Korea’s Industry Ministry stated that details are still being coordinated with US counterparts. This comes in response to a report from South Korea’s Maeil Business Newspaper, which suggested the talks could include discussions on Seoul potentially joining US-led efforts to curb trade with China.
The backdrop to the meeting includes renewed friction between Washington and Beijing, with China on Monday accusing the US of abusing tariff policies and cautioning other countries against entering broader economic pacts that could undermine its interests.
South Korean officials have indicated that cooperation on shipbuilding and potential involvement in an Alaska gas project could serve as bargaining chips in the negotiations. However, the government has firmly denied that defence cost-sharing for US troops stationed in South Korea is on the table.
Han noted that although the discussions may present challenges, he remains confident that both sides can reach an agreement that reinforces the longstanding economic and strategic partnership.
The high-stakes meeting highlights Seoul’s balancing act between maintaining strong trade ties with both Washington and Beijing, amid increasing global economic fragmentation and supply chain realignment.
