US President Donald Trump Meets Lee Jae Myung Leader of South Korean on Wednesday, marking the final leg of his fast-paced tour across Asia.
The two leaders held a nearly two-hour private meeting in Gyeongju as both nations continue to struggle toward a trade agreement one that still seems out of reach despite months of negotiation.
Back in July, the two sides had announced a preliminary deal under which South Korea would avoid harsh US tariffs by committing $350 billion (£264 billion) in new investments in America. However, progress has since stalled over the structure and terms of those investments.
While the US and South Korea have long been close allies, relations have recently been strained, particularly after hundreds of South Korean nationals were detained during a US immigration raid last month.
Trump, who is on a week-long Asia tour, is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Busan, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The meeting will be their first face-to-face encounter since Trump took office in 2025 and imposed sweeping tariffs on countries around the world.
Donald Trump Meets Lee Jae Myung
Speaking to a group of CEOs in Gyeongju, Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a new trade deal with China, saying it would be “a good deal for both.” He also praised APEC nations for efforts to reform what he described as a “broken” global trading system, adding that “economic security is national security for South Korea, and for every country.”
Ahead of his meeting with President Lee, Trump was welcomed with full honors, including a ceremonial guard and a golden crown, which he joked he’d like to wear immediately. He was also awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest state decoration, in recognition of his “contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula.” Trump is the first US president to receive this honor.
Following a working lunch and private discussions, neither side announced any significant breakthroughs. The lack of progress will likely disappoint South Korea’s major industries especially electronics, semiconductor, and automobile sectors — which have been seeking clarity amid ongoing tariff uncertainty. (Source)
Earlier this year, Trump had imposed 25% tariffs on South Korean goods, later reducing the rate to 15% after Seoul agreed to major US investments and pledged to purchase $100 billion worth of liquefied natural gas. However, Washington has since raised new demands, with Trump now pushing for direct cash investments in the United States.
Donald Trump Meets Lee Jae Myung Leader of South Korean as Trade Talks Stall.
