The Prime Minister of South Korea, Kim Min-seok, addressed the recent concerns regarding U.S. President Trump's potential tariff increase on Korean goods during a press conference in Seoul. He revealed that they have been in contact with Vice President Mike Pence through a special hotline established to clarify Washington's intentions following Trump's warning. The hotline was activated promptly after Trump's statement, allowing Seoul to quickly assess the situation and respond appropriately without misinterpretation.
Key Points
- Hotline Activation: Established before the controversy, it facilitated timely communication between the two nations.
- U.S. Awareness: Most U.S. government officials were unaware of Trump's message beforehand.
- Coupang Issue: Dismissed as a non-factor in the tariff decision, emphasizing that legal matters would be handled according to Korean law with ongoing communication.