“We are doing our best, and the goal is to achieve a truly beneficial result for both parties, but at this moment, both sides have yet to clearly define what they want,” explained Lee Jae-myung.
In a press conference, the head of state admitted that reaching an agreement is proving difficult.
“To be honest, I cannot say with certainty that we will manage to wrap everything up by July 8,” he added.
Already affected by U.S. tariffs on all steel and car imports, South Korea is seeking to avoid the implementation of 25% customs duties on the rest of its exports to the U.S. market.
“The future course of action from Washington remains highly uncertain and volatile, including the extension of the suspension,” said South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo today.
Since returning to power in January, Donald Trump has imposed global tariffs, which were later suspended until July 9 to provide space for other countries to negotiate new trade deals with Washington. On June 27, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt downplayed the July 9 deadline.
Trump specified in early June that he was negotiating with about 15 countries, including Japan and South Korea, and insisted he had “over 150” still waiting.
On June 6, the South Korean presidency said that Lee Jae-myung had discussed tariffs with Donald Trump, and the leaders on both sides agreed to achieve a “mutually satisfactory” solution.
“To that end, they agreed to promote tangible results in technical-level negotiations,” added the South Korean presidency in a statement.
On the other hand, Trump has also expressed his intention to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Today, in his first press conference since taking office in June, Lee Jae-myung reiterated the desire to improve ties with North Korea, although he acknowledged that mutual distrust between the two countries runs very deep.
“I believe we must improve relations with North Korea based on reliable coordination and consultation between South Korea and the U.S.,” said Lee.
“But I believe this will not be easy, as mutual antagonism and distrust are very severe,” he admitted.
Lee said he has been discussing the possibility of resuming talks with North Korea with presidential security and intelligence advisors but did not provide further details.
