Korea-U.S. summit may be postponed past July

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

Director Wi Sung-rak expressed his intention for an early Korea-U.S. summit, but Secretary Rubio reportedly only 'agreed' without giving a definite answer.
Unlike the Korean government, which seeks to discuss major issues such as tariff negotiations through a summit, the U.S. has not shown a clear response, making the possibility of holding the summit in July uncertain.
There was agreement on the need to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and expand high-level exchanges, but no specific coordination on the summit schedule appears to have taken place.

Wi Sung-rak proposes early summit

Rubio, only 'agrees' without a definite answer

Wi Sung-rak, Director of the National Security Office (pictured left), who is visiting the United States, met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio (right) in Washington, D.C., on the 7th (local time), to discuss current issues between the two countries.

Director Wi conveyed to Secretary Rubio the hope for an early Korea-U.S. summit, and President's Office stated that Secretary Rubio expressed 'agreement' with this. As the tariff suspension deadline has been pushed back about three weeks to August 1, the Korean government hopes to discuss major issues such as tariff negotiations at the summit, but with the U.S. not showing any significant reaction, there is speculation that holding the summit this month may be difficult.

On the 8th, the Presidential Office announced via written briefing that "Director Wi and Secretary Rubio held a 'Korea-U.S. Security National Security Advisors Consultation' and discussed in depth the development of Korea-U.S. relations, including the expansion of high-level exchanges." Director Wi, in the consultation, emphasized the strong Korea-U.S. alliance and proposed to Secretary Rubio to hold the summit as soon as possible.

Director Wi especially emphasized the Korea-U.S. alliance several times. The Presidential Office stated, "The two countries stressed the need to consult in a direction to further strengthen the alliance based on the spirit of alliance." Regarding the need to hold a Korea-U.S. summit, it was stated, "The U.S. side expressed agreement." Some within and outside diplomatic circles interpreted this to mean that specific coordination on holding the summit may not have been reached during the senior-level meetings. One diplomatic expert commented, "The U.S. likely believes that whether or not to hold a summit with us is optional."

By Han Jae-young jyhan@hankyung.com