Wi Seong-rak "Tariff talks should be concluded quickly…a settlement point can be found"

Wi Seong-rak, director of the National Security Office at the Presidential Office, said on the 23rd (local time) regarding the South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, "I personally think a settlement point can be found," adding, "The differences in positions are large and adjusting views is not easy, but I do not see it as impossible." It is reported that talks between the two countries have stalled over the structure of a US$350 billion U.S. investment fund, and in that context, Wi, a key presidential aide, offered a positive outlook.

Wi told reporters in New York, where the high-level segment of the 80th UN General Assembly is taking place, "We are not taking unreasonable or forced positions; we are stating rational positions based on the objective facts we face, so I think we will find common ground." Wi said, "(The tariff negotiations) should preferably be concluded quickly," and added, "To stabilize companies, it is better to find a settlement point."

When asked about the timing of a settlement, he said, "It would be good if the APEC leaders' meeting serves as an opportunity, but there is no rule that it must be concluded because of that," and added, "We are approaching the negotiations with the stance of trying to find a settlement point even before the South Korea-U.S. summit."

New York = Han Jae-young, reporter jyhan@hankyung.com