US-South Korea Relations
South Korean PM proposes US special envoy to North Korea in Vance talks
Iniulat ng AI Larawang ginawa ng AI
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok proposed on Friday that the United States send a special envoy to North Korea to improve relations between Washington and Pyongyang during talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The meeting also addressed South Korea's probe into a massive customer data leak at Coupang, with both sides agreeing to manage the issue to avoid misunderstandings. This marks Kim's first overseas trip since becoming prime minister.
South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan held a second day of tariff talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on January 30, 2026, but again failed to reach an agreement. Following Friday's initial meeting—which also ended without a deal—the discussions deepened mutual understanding, though Kim said more talks are needed.
Iniulat ng AI
South Korea's trade ministry said on January 8 it will expand communications with the United States to avert potential conflicts over revisions to the country's network law. Last week, the U.S. State Department voiced "significant" concerns about a recently passed amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, aimed at curbing false online information, warning it could spark trade tensions. To mitigate this, the ministry plans to intensify outreach on non-tariff trade barriers.
President Lee Jae-myung announced on Friday that South Korea has secured US support to expand its authority over spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment. This marks a significant step toward building Korea's first nuclear-powered submarine, stemming from a joint fact sheet agreed upon during the October 29 APEC summit with US President Donald Trump. The two nations also committed to strengthening trade and security ties.
Iniulat ng AI
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun briefly met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Canada. The encounter took place amid delays in releasing a joint fact sheet outlining trade and security outcomes from a recent leaders' summit. The two exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.