Cho Hyun and Rubio Meet to Reaffirm Strategic Cooperation South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened at the State Department on Feb. 3‑4, 2026 to confirm ongoing collaboration on civil nuclear power, nuclear‑powered submarines, and shipbuilding [1][2]. Both officials reiterated a shared commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and highlighted the importance of U.S.–Japan–ROK trilateral coordination [1][2]. The joint fact sheet released in November outlines specific projects, including civilian uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing [1]. The meeting underscored the alliance’s focus on high‑tech defense capabilities amid regional tensions [2].

Trump’s Tariff Threat Prompts Seoul’s Investment Commitment President Donald Trump warned of raising reciprocal tariffs on South Korean autos, lumber and pharmaceuticals from 15 % to 25 % [1][2]. In response, Seoul accelerated diplomatic outreach and pledged a $350 billion investment in the United States, a condition for Washington to keep tariffs at the lower 15 % level [1][2]. The investment pledge is tied to the bilateral trade agreement finalized earlier this year [2]. Both articles note that the tariff pressure is a key driver of the renewed high‑level talks [1][2].

U.S. Endorses South Korea’s Civil Nuclear and Submarine Plans The United States publicly supports South Korea’s pursuit of civilian uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing rights, and acquisition of nuclear‑powered submarines [1]. This backing appears in the November fact sheet and reflects a broader strategy to deepen defense technology integration [1]. Rubio’s statements during the meeting emphasized that U.S. assistance will continue under the existing partnership framework [1].

Critical Minerals Ministerial to Cement Supply‑Chain Partnership Cho will attend the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by Rubio on Wednesday, aimed at diversifying supply chains for rare earths and other strategic minerals [1][2]. Rubio praised South Korea’s leadership in building “secure, resilient and diversified” mineral supply networks, linking the effort to high‑tech military and consumer product needs [2]. The ministerial is positioned as a cornerstone of the broader U.S.–ROK collaboration on critical resources [1][2].

Articles Align on Core Facts, Differ on Emphasis Both Yonhap pieces agree on the meeting’s agenda, the tariff threat, and the $350 billion investment pledge [1][2]. Article 1 adds detail about U.S. backing for civilian uranium enrichment and the November joint fact sheet, while article 2 highlights Rubio’s commendation of South Korea’s mineral‑supply role. No substantive contradictions appear between the reports [1][2].