Seoul: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac has reportedly departed for the United States, a ruling bloc official said, with less than two weeks remaining until the August 1 negotiation deadline for tariff talks with the Donald Trump administration. The visit is seen as a critical move as the deadline approaches, highlighting the urgency of the ongoing negotiations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the visit comes just 11 days after Wi's previous trip to the U.S. from July 6-9, where he met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This has led to speculation that Wi's latest visit aims to engage with high-level counterparts to expedite tariff negotiations. Although the presidential office has not confirmed Wi's departure for Washington, a ruling party bloc official has confirmed the top security adviser's travel plans.
During his earlier trip, Wi indicated that South Korea proposed a "package deal" that incorporates both economic and security considerations in the bilateral tariff talks. To further these negotiations, Wi suggested that President Lee Jae Myung arrange a summit with President Trump in the near future, a proposal which Secretary Rubio reportedly supported.
Wi's visit coincides with plans from Seoul's newly appointed finance and foreign ministers to visit the U.S. soon to address pending issues. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol is making arrangements to travel to Washington next week, while Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is planning a U.S. visit later this month.
Earlier in July, President Trump sent a letter to President Lee indicating that his administration would commence imposing 25 percent tariffs on all South Korean products imported starting August 1. This communication effectively extended the initial tariff deadline, providing additional time for negotiations to potentially reach a resolution before the tariffs take effect.