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South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Meets US Officials as Trump Threatens 25% Tariff

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  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (C) speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Jan. 31, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (C) speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Jan. 31, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaking during the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaking during the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 19, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during a meeting of economy-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during a meeting of economy-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, speaks during a meeting on a military airport relocation in the southwestern city of Gwangju in this Dec. 17, 2025, file photo. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, speaks during a meeting on a military airport relocation in the southwestern city of Gwangju in this Dec. 17, 2025, file photo. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a National Assembly session in western Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a National Assembly session in western Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (L) and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick talk during the signing of a memorandum of understanding on a manufacturing partnership between South Korea and the United States at a hotel in Washington in this Aug. 25, 2025, file photo provided by the industry ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (L) and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick talk during the signing of a memorandum of understanding on a manufacturing partnership between South Korea and the United States at a hotel in Washington in this Aug. 25, 2025, file photo provided by the industry ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) poses with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of their talks in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) poses with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of their talks in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) poses with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of their talks in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) poses with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of their talks in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Han Jeoung-ae (L) of the ruling Democratic Party enters a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Han Jeoung-ae (L) of the ruling Democratic Party enters a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (3rd from L) responds to questions during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (3rd from L) responds to questions during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaking during the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaking during the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 19, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, speaks during a meeting on a military airport relocation in the southwestern city of Gwangju in this Dec. 17, 2025, file photo. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, speaks during a meeting on a military airport relocation in the southwestern city of Gwangju in this Dec. 17, 2025, file photo. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (L) and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick talk during the signing of a memorandum of understanding on a manufacturing partnership between South Korea and the United States at a hotel in Washington in this Aug. 25, 2025, file photo provided by the industry ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (L) and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick talk during the signing of a memorandum of understanding on a manufacturing partnership between South Korea and the United States at a hotel in Washington in this Aug. 25, 2025, file photo provided by the industry ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a National Assembly session in western Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a National Assembly session in western Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during a meeting of economy-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during a meeting of economy-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Diplomatic Meeting in Washington Signals Urgency On February 2, 2026, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one‑on‑one talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, the first high‑level dialogue since President Donald Trump warned of raising South Korean tariffs from 15 % to 25 % [1]. Cho also attended a U.S.‑led ministerial on critical‑minerals supply chains the same day, underscoring the expanding economic agenda beyond the trade dispute [1].

Tariff Threat Directly Linked to Legislative Delay Trump’s social‑media announcement demanded that Seoul pass a special investment bill promptly, or the U.S. would impose the higher 25 % tariff on autos, lumber and pharmaceuticals [1][14][15]. South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party has pledged to push the bill through an extraordinary National Assembly session by late February or early March, noting that the agreed‑upon tariff rate remains 15 % pending legislative action [1][4][20].

$350 Billion Investment Pledge Underpins Deal The bilateral agreement obliges South Korea to invest a total of US$350 billion in the United States, including US$200 billion in cash installments capped at US$20 billion per year [1][13][4]. A draft law outlines a “strategic investment fund” to manage the pledge, while Finance Minister Koo Yun‑cheol warned that a weakening won could postpone cash flows beyond the first half of 2026 [13][20].

Hotline Enhances Bilateral Communication Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok established a direct phone line with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in January, which he says has clarified both sides’ intentions and allowed rapid response after Trump’s surprise tariff warning [2][3]. Kim asserted that most U.S. officials were unaware of the threat until the announcement, attributing the confusion to Trump’s “unique messaging method” [2][3].

Industry Minister’s Washington Talks Remain Inconclusive Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan met Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on January 28‑30, 2026, without reaching a final agreement but reporting improved mutual understanding [5][6][7][9][10][11][12][17]. The parties agreed to continue negotiations via video link and to discuss broader cooperation with officials such as Energy Secretary Chris Wright [7][10][11]. Kim repeatedly pledged to do his best to protect Korean exporters while the investment bill proceeds [5][7].

Broader Strategic Context Reinforces Partnership The Washington visit coincided with a U.S.‑led critical‑minerals summit, reflecting Washington’s focus on securing supply chains alongside the trade dispute [1]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated that the trade agreement remains inactive until the Korean parliament ratifies it, highlighting the legislative hurdle as the core obstacle [14][15].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 1, 2025 – The United States reduces the tariff on South Korean automobiles from 25 % to 15 % retroactive to Nov 1, linking the cut to Seoul’s pledge of a US $350 billion investment in the United States [30].

Dec 3, 2025 – The U.S. Federal Register publishes a notice implementing a 15 % duty on Korean autos, aircraft parts, and lumber effective Nov 1/Nov 14, fulfilling the Korea‑U.S. Strategic Trade and Investment Deal and confirming the reciprocal 15 % rate for Korean goods [29][27][26].

July 30, 2025 – The United States and South Korea sign a trade agreement that caps tariffs at 10 % and grants preferential rates on Korean cars, establishing the framework later tied to the $350 billion investment pledge [2].

Oct 29, 2025 – President Donald Trump reaffirms the July deal during an October visit to Seoul, and both sides sign a memorandum of understanding pledging US $350 billion of Korean investment in exchange for reduced U.S. tariffs [20][30].

Nov 26, 2025 – South Korea’s National Assembly submits a special bill to enact the $350 billion investment package, a legislative step required for the tariff‑reduction provisions of the bilateral deal [23][30].

Jan 19, 2026 – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, underscoring the administration’s focus on the Korea‑U.S. trade partnership [11].

Jan 26, 2026 – President Donald Trump announces via Truth Social that reciprocal tariffs and auto duties on South Korean goods will rise from 15 % to 25 % because the Korean National Assembly has not ratified the trade agreement, invoking an economic emergency to bypass Congress [22][24][25][20][21].

Jan 27, 2026 – A White House official states South Korea “made no progress” on the trade deal, while Trump later says the U.S. will “work something out” with Seoul, and Korean newspapers label the move a “tariff bomb” [16][15][14].

Jan 27, 2026 – The ruling Democratic Party announces it will launch parliamentary deliberations on the special investment bill in February, aiming to accelerate the $350 billion pledge amid the tariff threat [17][18][23].

Jan 27, 2026 – Finance Minister Koo Yun‑cheol pledges “active explanation” to the United States on South Korea’s commitment to the trade deal, emphasizing ongoing communication with the National Assembly [13].

Jan 27, 2026 – Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan cuts short a Canada trip to travel to Washington for talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, seeking to clear “unnecessary misunderstandings” over the tariff dispute [12][8].

Jan 28, 2026 – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells CNBC that “there is no trade deal until they ratify it,” reinforcing that the $350 billion investment and tariff reductions remain pending legislative approval [10][11].

Jan 30, 2026 – Kim Jung‑kwan reports that two‑day talks with Lutnick end without an agreement, noting that further negotiations—including a video‑conference follow‑up—are required before any tariff change is decided [9].

Jan 31, 2026 – Returning to Korea, Kim Jung‑kwan declares that “our mutual understanding has deepened significantly” after the Washington meetings, while reaffirming South Korea’s intent to swiftly process the special investment bill [8].

Feb 1, 2026 – The Democratic Party commits to push the special investment bill through an extraordinary parliamentary session slated for late February – early March, aiming to meet the U.S. deadline tied to the tariff increase [7].

Feb 2, 2026 – South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hold one‑on‑one talks in Washington, the first since Trump’s tariff warning, and discuss implementation of the August and October summit agreements, including the $350 billion investment commitment [6].

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