Overview

• Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington to narrow differences, with talks described as intensive by both sides.
• The standoff centers on the structure of Seoul’s $350 billion pledge, as Korea favors loans and guarantees while the U.S. pushes for larger direct equity, U.S. control over project selection, and Japan-style profit splits.
• Seoul has proposed an “unlimited” bilateral currency swap to buffer dollar demand from the package, citing concern over pressure on the won and foreign reserves of $416.3 billion.
• Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said National Assembly consent may be sought if the final package creates a significant fiscal burden, signaling possible legislative review.
• Pressure increased after U.S. auto tariffs on Japanese vehicles dropped to 15 percent, and tensions from a Georgia immigration raid linger even as officials say they are seeking a win-win outcome.