Hotline Activation Enables Direct US‑Korea Communication Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok established a dedicated phone line with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in late January, making it operational before President Donald Trump’s tariff warning and allowing both governments to exchange intentions swiftly[1][2]. Kim highlighted the hotline’s role alongside existing channels in clarifying each side’s true positions during a Feb. 2 press conference[1][2]. He asserted that the early opening helped Seoul respond quickly when Trump announced the surprise threat[1].

Trump Announces Potential 25% Tariff Increase on South Korean Goods On Feb. 1, 2026, President Trump posted on social media that the United States could raise tariffs on South Korean imports from the current 15% to 25%[1][2]. The announcement caught analysts off‑guard and sparked criticism that Seoul was unprepared[1][2]. Trump later said the U.S. “will work something out with South Korea,” signaling willingness to negotiate[1][2].

South Korean Trade Team Engages US Counterparts in Washington Following the tariff threat, senior South Korean trade officials traveled to Washington to meet American counterparts, aiming to clarify uncertainties and seek a mutually acceptable solution[1][2]. The rapid dispatch underscores Seoul’s effort to prevent higher duties from being imposed[2]. Both articles note that these talks are part of a broader diplomatic push to resolve the dispute before it deepens[1].

Diplomatic Narrative Highlights Limited US Awareness and Coupang Speculation Kim argued that most U.S. officials, except a few such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, were unaware of Trump’s plan, attributing the surprise to the president’s “unique messaging method”[1][2]. Only the Yonhap piece on the hotline mentions media speculation linking the tariff threat to a data breach at Coupang, which Kim denied as unrelated[1]. This discrepancy shows differing emphasis between the two reports.