South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok urged U.S. Vice President JD Vance to swiftly implement bilateral agreements on nuclear-powered submarines, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding during talks in Washington on Thursday. The meeting came hours after the National Assembly approved a special bill to facilitate Seoul's $350 billion investment commitment under a trade deal. Both sides also reaffirmed their openness to dialogue with North Korea.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the White House in Washington on Thursday. Kim called for prompt implementation of bilateral agreements in security areas, including nuclear-powered submarines, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding, noting that the recently passed special bill in the National Assembly provides momentum for advancing the joint fact sheet. The document, released in November, outlines security and trade agreements, including Seoul's $350 billion investment pledge in exchange for Washington reducing "reciprocal" tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent. It also covers South Korea's nuclear submarine program, efforts to secure civil uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing rights, and joint initiatives to revitalize the American shipbuilding industry.
Vance welcomed the bill's passage, stating it establishes legal conditions for the investment pledge and calling for close bilateral communication on investment plans. Kim emphasized that the government's efforts led to the bill's approval, representing South Korea's "strong" commitment to the agreement. He expressed hope that future South Korean investments would contribute to reinvigorating U.S. manufacturing, creating jobs, and serving as a foundation for broader South Korea-U.S. relations.
The two sides reaffirmed their governments' openness to dialogue with North Korea. Kim's visit occurs amid speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump might resume talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his reported trip to China from late March to early April. During the talks, Kim noted that the issue involving e-commerce giant Coupang, Inc., related to a massive data leak probe, has been managed stably. Vance expressed respect for South Korea's domestic laws and systems while appreciating Seoul's communication on U.S. concerns. The two last met in Washington on Jan. 23.
On the same day, Kim met with U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) to seek cooperation on passing the Partner with Korea Act, which aims to ensure stable stays for skilled South Korean workers in the U.S. and establish a new visa quota for Korean professionals. The senator agreed that visa system improvements are necessary for implementing the $350 billion investment and pledged efforts to secure bipartisan support. The issue gained urgency following the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers in a surprise raid in Georgia last year. They also discussed the Assembly's bill passage and ways to strengthen strategic cooperation in shipbuilding, the bio industry, and artificial intelligence.
Later, Kim held a dinner meeting with representatives from South Korean businesses and state institutions in the Washington area, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, the Korea International Trade Association, and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency. He encouraged them while listening to their concerns and promising active government assistance in resolving them.
