Trump’s 25% Auto Tariff Announcement Triggers Immediate Diplomatic Response President Donald Trump announced via social media that reciprocal tariffs and automobile duties on South Korean goods will rise from 15% to 25%, citing Seoul’s slow ratification of the October‑finalized trade agreement and perceived gaps in implementation [1][2]. The move reverses earlier reductions that had lowered U.S. duties on Korean products and threatens a major shock to the bilateral auto market. Seoul’s leadership framed the announcement as a “surprise” that required swift diplomatic engagement [2].

Seoul Sends Trade Minister Yeo and Industry Minister Kim to Washington On Jan. 28‑29, 2026, Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo departed Incheon for Washington, while Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan arrived at Dulles International Airport a day earlier [1]. Both ministers joined a special delegation to convey South Korea’s commitment to the existing trade pact and to address the newly announced tariffs [2]. Their itinerary includes high‑level meetings with U.S. counterparts to prevent further escalation [1].

Yeo Han‑koo Meets USTR Jamison Greer to Clarify Legislative Delays In Washington, Yeo scheduled a discussion with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer to explain the National Assembly’s pending ratification and to argue that the perceived implementation gaps are procedural, not substantive [1]. He emphasized providing “sufficient explanation” to avoid misunderstandings about South Korea’s legislative timeline [1]. The meeting aims to secure a mutually acceptable path forward before any tariff increase is enacted [2].

Kim Jung‑kwan Holds Talks with Commerce Secretary on Investment Bill Kim’s agenda includes a meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Jan. 29, where he will clarify South Korea’s domestic legislative process and reaffirm the government’s unchanged stance on cooperation and U.S. investment [1]. The discussion also touches on a $350 billion investment pledge tied to the trade deal, which the finance ministry is coordinating with Washington [2]. Prior to the Washington trip, Kim concluded a submarine‑bid mission in Canada, underscoring the breadth of his diplomatic responsibilities [2].

Minor Discrepancies Appear in Source Details Article 1 spells the USTR’s name as “Jamison Greer,” while Article 2 uses “Jamieson Greer,” reflecting a minor reporting inconsistency. Additionally, Article 2 describes Yeo’s travel as forthcoming, whereas Article 1 reports his departure on Jan. 29, indicating a slight timing variance between the reports [1][2].