Seoul: Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, has arrived in Seoul for a two-day visit aimed at meeting with major South Korean business leaders amid ongoing concerns over tariffs. His visit, which marks his first trip to South Korea since his father's inauguration, is facilitated by Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump Jr. landed at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul on Tuesday evening, arriving slightly later than scheduled due to a delay in departure. His visit is seen as part of an effort to establish stronger channels of communication between South Korean conglomerates and the Trump administration. Business leaders from sectors such as semiconductors, automobiles, energy, steelmaking, and defense are particularly keen on engaging with Trump Jr. during his stay.
During his visit, Trump Jr. is expected to hold private meetings with approximately 20 heads of major South Korean conglomerates. These meetings provide a significant opportunity for South Korean companies that export to the U.S. to establish a reliable communication channel with Washington, given Trump Jr.'s close ties to President Trump. Notably, Trump Jr. does not have any planned public meetings with South Korean politicians or government officials during his visit.
Chung and Trump Jr. reportedly share a close relationship. In December, Trump Jr. hosted Chung at his father's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, an encounter that facilitated a meeting between Chung and then President-elect Trump. The backdrop to this visit includes the Trump administration's recent imposition of "reciprocal tariffs," including a 25 percent duty on South Korean imports, which saw a 90-day pause announced shortly thereafter.
High-profile trade talks between Seoul and Washington have resulted in an agreement to pursue a comprehensive package by July 8, the expiration date of the tariff pause. Trump Jr.'s visit highlights the ongoing dialogue and efforts to navigate the complexities of U.S.-South Korea trade relations.