[Young journalist Hansae Jung] Regarding follow-up consultations on tariff negotiations with the United States, President Lee Jae-myung said on the 23rd, “I believe we will ultimately reach a reasonable and mutually acceptable outcome”

In an interview released that day with CNN, when asked whether South Korea and the U.S. could reach a trade agreement on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, President Lee replied, “It seems it will take a considerable amount of time and effort to fine-tune our positions.”

This can be interpreted as emphasizing that, even if it takes some time, what matters most is reaching a conclusion that ensures the “commercial rationality” he has repeatedly mentioned.

In response to a follow-up question from a CNN reporter pointing out that, even within the U.S., President Donald Trump’s demand for “upfront investments” has been criticized as “extortion,” President Lee said, “I believe we will ultimately reach a reasonable conclusion that all parties can accept.”

He added, “That is because we are allies, and both sides share common sense and rationality.”

When asked whether he thought a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place during the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit, President Lee replied, “It is not very likely,” but added, “If North Korea and the U.S. were to hold an unexpected meeting during the APEC summit, we would fully welcome it and actively support it.”

President Lee said, “I believe President Trump wants to achieve world peace,” adding, “That’s why I asked him to act as a peacemaker.”

The interview was recorded the previous day at the Yongsan Presidential Office and aired that morning (afternoon of the 22nd, U.S. local time).


▶원문 기사: 李대통령, CNN과 인터뷰..."관세 협상, 많은 시간과 노력 필요해" (이코노미스트, 2025.10.23)

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