**Meeting with Secretary of State Planned, “Need for High-Level Engagement”**
**US Treasury: “Countries Without Negotiation Progress Will Face Reciprocal Tariff Reimposition”**
Wi Sung-lac, South Korea’s Director of National Security, spoke to reporters at Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport on the 6th. With the deadline for the reciprocal tariff exemptions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump fast approaching, Wi, visiting Washington D.C. for the first time since assuming office, remarked that the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations have entered a “crucial phase.” He is hopeful for breakthroughs through high-level consultations with his counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also the National Security Advisor. Wi is scheduled to meet with Rubio and other senior officials in Washington D.C. from the 6th to the 9th to discuss security issues. Yoh Hangu, head of the Trade Negotiations Office at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, also arrived in the U.S. on the 5th to engage in final talks with Jamison Greer of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
Upon arrival at Dulles International Airport, Wi discussed with correspondents his belief that negotiations had moved into a crucial phase, necessitating higher-level involvement. He expressed that, given some Cabinet positions remain unfilled, his presence to respond accordingly was deemed appropriate. Regarding the current negotiation status, he noted that the U.S. is considering its decisions, and South Korea must also make judgments in response. Wi expressed hope that discussions with Rubio would aid trade negotiations, emphasizing that the roles of National Security Advisors and Directors deal with the entire range of relations, including trade and commerce.
The Korea-U.S. trade negotiations are reportedly lacking significant progress. Wi’s visit to the U.S. appears to underscore South Korea’s intention to possibly include security subjects, such as increased defense cost-sharing, on the trade negotiation table. When asked about the potential linkage between defense cost-sharing and tariff negotiations, Wi commented on the interconnection and mutual influence of various issues. Trump has repeatedly mentioned, without specifics, sending unilateral letters to 12-15 countries about reciprocal tariffs starting the 7th. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Beasant stated on CNN that countries making no negotiation progress would face reciprocal tariffs again from August 1st.
When asked if the government might need to make a decision on negotiations during his visit, Wi responded that it would be more about having discussions and then considering next steps rather than making immediate decisions. With a planned meeting between President Lee Jae-myung and President Trump on the sidelines of multilateral diplomatic platforms like the G7 or NATO summit having been canceled, bilateral meetings between South Korea and the U.S. are anticipated to be discussed. Wi stated that there is a consensus on proceeding as quickly as possible but acknowledged that discussions had not yet reached the stage of finalization.