"President Lee suggests US tariff negotiations may not be easy... Scheduled to meet major conglomerates soon"

President Lee Jae-myung, in the 40 or so days since his inauguration, has met and discussed state affairs with a diverse range of figures—not only politicians and government officials, but also religious leaders, senior journalists, businesspeople, and local citizens from various regions. Through these discussions, he has sought solutions to Korea's current challenges, often seeking advice by sharing his concerns or engaging in in-depth debates.

A comprehensive look at remarks President Lee made both during a two-hour luncheon with journalists on the 11th and in previous official meetings shows he discussed topics such as the Korea–US tariff negotiations, whether to attend China's Victory Day celebrations, consideration of an export expansion conference, meetings with business leaders, the Democratic Party convention, and controversies surrounding ministerial nominees. Analysts in political circles interpret this as offering a glimpse into the topics President Lee tends to deliberate on.

On the 11th, it is reported that President Lee had extensive discussions regarding foreign affairs issues such as the Korea–US tariff negotiations. He allegedly conveyed the nuance that the negotiations with the US would not be easy. According to one participant, President Lee said, "Wi Sung-lac, the National Security Office chief, recently visited the United States, but dialogue with the US has been meandering, and there are not enough agreed-upon agenda items for discussion with the US side." However, he added that trade negotiations with the US may conclude more quickly than with Japan, considering there are fewer items Japan is willing to concede, especially as Japan is currently holding its House of Councillors elections and therefore unlikely to accept market opening of key agricultural sectors desired by the US, as President Lee sees it.

Regarding the invitation to attend China's Victory Day in September, he said, "No final decision has been made." The President alluded to this cautiously, reportedly remarking, in reference to former President Park Geun-hye's participation in a previous Victory Day, that "Park Geun-hye went too far." Diplomats anticipate that since a Korea–US summit has not yet been set, no major message regarding Victory Day participation will be forthcoming. It is also reported that President Lee said, "President Xi Jinping of China will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju."

President Lee also shared concerns about revitalizing the economy. He told participants, "I will soon meet with the major conglomerates. I intend to relax regulations to encourage companies to invest without hesitation." Last month, on the 13th, he had already met with the heads of the four biggest conglomerates and leaders of six major economic organizations. Even during his candidacy, he was in ongoing discussions about business policy, meeting with figures such as Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group. He further expressed intent to consider launching an export expansion conference initiated during former President Park Chung-hee's time once the composition of the new cabinet is finalized.

President Lee also expressed concerns about the budget for balanced regional development. When a participant noted, "The government's annual budget was ₩360 trillion in the first year after the Park Geun-hye administration, but it's ₩700 trillion now," President Lee commented, "And yet people are still complaining about insufficient available funds." Regarding the suspension of the new Gadeokdo airport project in Busan, he spoke negatively but was said to be open to suggestions for alternatives.

He is also reported to have touched on political and personnel issues. Concerning Lee Jin-sook, the candidate for Minister of Education, who faces allegations of thesis plagiarism, he reportedly said, "I didn't personally pick her, she was recommended," adding, "It's unfortunate; it seems there may be some issues." For next month's Democratic Party convention to elect a new party leader, President Lee remarked, "I really like both Park Chan-dae and Jung Chung-rae. Whoever wins, it'll be interesting. The winning side is my side."

Kim Hyung-kyu, Reporter khk@hankyung.com