SEOUL – In a candid exchange with U.S. lawmakers, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung voiced deep concerns over the ripple effects that ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States are having on his country’s foreign exchange market.
Speaking in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, President Lee emphasized that while discussions are still underway, the uncertainty has already begun to stir unease in South Korea’s financial circles.
“We are confident a resolution will be found—one that upholds commercial logic and mutual benefit,” President Lee reassured. However, his tone conveyed the delicate balance at stake.
The South Korea–U.S. tariff talks are centered on revisiting and potentially lowering import duties initially enforced under former President Donald Trump’s administration. These tariffs have long been a point of contention between Washington and Seoul, particularly as South Korea eyes large-scale investments in U.S. industries as part of a broader strategic trade alignment.
President Lee also cautioned that such substantial investment plans might place pressure on South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves, a topic he has hinted at in prior statements. As the country navigates its role as a global trading partner and financial stakeholder, stability in currency markets remains a critical concern.
The high-stakes meeting with members of the U.S. Congress reflects the urgency and importance of finalizing a fair deal—one that supports economic growth on both sides of the Pacific.
