Overview

• Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrived in Washington to fine-tune the Aug. 25 Lee–Trump agenda, with Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo holding meetings with U.S. counterparts to lock in details.
• The White House meeting follows a July framework that cut U.S. tariffs on Korean goods to 15% in exchange for a pledged $350 billion in U.S. investments and $100 billion in energy purchases, with leader-level guidance expected on timing and scope.
• National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said alliance modernization aims to strengthen the combined defense posture, while experts say talks could also address U.S. Forces Korea roles, defense cost-sharing and North Korea policy.
• Economic cooperation under discussion spans shipbuilding under the MASGA initiative, semiconductors, batteries, AI and nuclear energy, with a reported KHNP–Westinghouse venture and nuclear fuel-cycle issues likely requiring further negotiation.
• A focused delegation of top conglomerate chiefs, including leaders from Samsung, SK, Hyundai and LG, plans to join Lee in Washington, while a special envoy will visit China on Aug. 24–27 to convey Lee’s message on the strategic partnership.