Overview

• South Korea’s foreign, trade and industry chiefs arrived in Washington to finalize the Aug. 25 summit agenda, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun meeting U.S. counterparts after an early, unannounced trip.
• National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said the leaders will pursue “alliance modernization,” a concept that officials and analysts say could involve adjusted roles for U.S. Forces Korea and higher burden-sharing by Seoul.
• Reuters reported Pentagon discussions about potential changes to the U.S. troop footprint and broader missions tied to China, while emphasizing no decisions have been made and consultations with Seoul would guide any moves.
• The talks follow a framework trade deal cutting U.S. tariffs on Korean goods to 15% in exchange for about $350 billion in U.S. investments and $100 billion in energy purchases, including a $150 billion shipbuilding push and partnerships in semiconductors and advanced industries.
• A 16-member Korean business delegation including leaders from Samsung, SK, Hyundai and LG will support investment announcements, as Seoul also pursues nuclear cooperation talks and dispatches a special envoy team to China on Aug. 24–27.