Overview

• Wendy Cutler cautioned that Seoul must fully brief President Lee before any phone talks to avoid making counterproductive concessions if Trump issues new demands.
• Industry Minister nominee Kim Jung-kwan pledged to mobilize all available resources and pursue pragmatic trade strategies to bolster exports amid U.S. tariff threats.
• Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun offered a positive outlook on reaching a broad framework agreement before the moratorium expires and promised close alignment with Washington.
• Negotiators enter a final push to finalize a ‘July package’ framework under a 90-day tariff suspension extended until Aug. 1.
• Observers emphasize the need for Blue House oversight to streamline coordination across ministries and prepare for a potential Lee-Trump engagement to finalize terms.