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2mo ago

Seoul and Washington Advance Plans for August Lee–Trump Summit

Summit planning will leverage a recent tariff agreement to shape a future-oriented alliance framework spanning security/economic goals.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One to depart for New Jersey, at the White House in Washington on Aug. 1, 2025 in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a meeting with reporters at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C, on July 31, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • President Trump announced via Truth Social that he would host President Lee in Washington within two weeks, prompting formal summit preparations.
  • Working-level talks are underway to finalize the summit’s timing and agenda, with Japan’s TBS reporting a provisional August 12 meeting date pending confirmation.
  • The two sides concluded a trade deal on July 31 that lowers U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods to 15 percent in exchange for $350 billion in Korean investment.
  • Officials plan to use the summit to modernize the alliance by reviewing defense cost-sharing under the 12th Special Measures Agreement and potential U.S. Forces Korea posture adjustments.
  • Leaders are expected to discuss coordinated responses to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats alongside measures to bolster economic security.