Choi Sang-mok (right), the Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as the Minister of Economy and Finance, is smiling during a video meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant on the morning of the 28th. This image was provided by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
**Delay in Presidential Communications ‘Diplomatic Gap’**
**Attention on whether Korea-U.S. High-Level Meetings Will Follow**
Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok held a video meeting on the 28th with Scott Besant, the U.S. Treasury Secretary considered the ‘economic commander’ of the Donald Trump administration. This meeting was the first interaction with a top official of the Trump administration in 39 days since President Trump’s inauguration on January 20th. Acting President Choi also hinted at the necessity for Korea to be exempt from the upcoming U.S. reciprocal tariff measures.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced, “At 8:15 a.m. at the Government Complex Seoul, Acting President Choi held a video meeting with Secretary Besant, reaffirming the strong Korea-U.S. alliance and discussing cooperation methods in economics, trade, security, and foreign exchange markets with the Trump administration.”
It was reported that Acting President Choi and Secretary Besant focused on Korea’s investment plans in the U.S. and exchange rate policies. Particularly, with regard to the reciprocal tariff measures the U.S. plans to enforce in April, Acting President Choi requested that “considerations be made for Korea’s contribution to the U.S. economy in the decision-making process of U.S. policies like reciprocal tariffs.” This implies a request for exemption or special consideration regarding tariffs. During their approximately 30-minute meeting, they also found common ground on the Korea-U.S. alliance and security cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Acting President Choi informed Secretary Besant that “Korea is demonstrating strong recovery, with rapid stabilization of financial and foreign exchange market volatility.”
Attention is focused on whether high-level Korea-U.S. meetings will continue following this direct communication by Acting President Choi with the U.S. side. And Deok-geun, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, who has been visiting the U.S. since the 26th, plans to meet with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, among others. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning a visit to Korea next month. However, concerns remain about the limitations of summit diplomacy. Despite Acting President Choi’s proposal to arrange a phone call with the U.S. side after President Trump’s inauguration, the call has yet to be realized.