Seoul: Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to meet with approximately 20 business leaders from major South Korean conglomerates during his first visit to Korea since his father's inauguration. Industry sources revealed that this visit, taking place from Tuesday to Wednesday, is at the invitation of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korean business circles reached out to Chung to facilitate Trump Jr.'s visit as a strategic move to establish a connection with the Trump administration. Leaders from industries such as semiconductor, automobile, energy, steelmaking, and defense have shown interest in engaging in one-on-one meetings with him.
On Wednesday, Trump Jr. is anticipated to hold separate meetings with the heads of the country's leading conglomerates in Seoul. These meetings are seen as a rare opportunity for companies that export to the U.S. to establish a direct line of communication with a key figure linked to President Trump.
Trump Jr. reportedly does not have any public meetings scheduled with South Korean politicians or government officials during his two-day visit. His relationship with Chung is noted to be strong, as evidenced by Chung's invitation to Mar-a-Lago in December, where he met with then President-elect Trump.
The backdrop of this visit involves the Trump administration's imposition of "reciprocal tariffs," including 25 percent duties on South Korea, on April 9. However, a 90-day pause on these tariffs was announced shortly afterward. Recent trade discussions between Seoul and Washington aim to develop a comprehensive package agreement by July 8, coinciding with the end of the tariff pause.