U.S., S. Korea begin package deal talks on tariffs and defense costs

관세•방위비 ‘패키지 협상’ 본격화… 한미 외교 해법은?

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.
As tensions rise over trade and security, the United States has taken a calculated pause—delaying reciprocal tariffs on allies for three months and signaling a new approach to negotiations.
But the stakes are high for South Korea as President Trump is pushing for a sweeping “package deal,” tying tariffs and defense cost-sharing together under one diplomatic umbrella.
With Acting President Han Duck-soo stepping into delicate talks and top U.S. lawmakers and officials poised to visit Seoul, questions loom: Could this be a breakthrough or a pressure tactic?
What strategies can Seoul deploy as it navigates trade, security, and shifting alliances—just weeks before a new administration takes office?

For more on this, we invite Min Jeong-hun, Professor of Korea National Diplomatic Academy, into the studio with us. Welcome.

Also joining us is Christophe Gaudin, Professor of Political Science at Kookmin University. Great to have you.


1. (Min) Let's start with Prof. Min. The U.S. has announced a three-month delay in implementing reciprocal tariffs on countries other than China. It also excluded certain electronic products—such as smartphones and computers—from the tariff list. What’s the rationale behind these moves?

2. (Gaudin) Now to Prof. Gaudin. This three-month grace period puts the spotlight on potential re-negotiations.
On April 9th, Acting President Han Duck-soo and President Trump held their first phone call.
Would you consider this conversation a meaningful step toward establishing direct communication between the two leaders?

3. (Min) During the call, President Trump mentioned “one-stop shopping,” suggesting his intention to bundle tariff negotiations and defense cost-sharing into a single package. Prof. Min, what message is he trying to send with this approach?

4. (Gaudin) This marks the first time the U.S. has linked tariffs with defense cost-sharing. The South Korean government, however, remains cautious—stressing that national security matters, such as defense burden-sharing, should be addressed separately from trade. What kind of strategy is needed to navigate this proposed “package deal”?

5. (Min) Prof. Min, South Korea's Head of Trade Negotiations at the Trade Ministry, visited the U.S. for talks last week.
It’s reported that South Korea put LNG imports and shipbuilding cooperation on the table.
How effective might these proposals be in the broader tariff negotiations?

6. (Gaudin) Beyond those points, what other negotiation levers does South Korea have at its disposal, Prof. Gaudin?

7. (Gaudin) President Trump has floated the idea of reducing or even withdrawing U.S. troops from Korea.
Yet, key figures like U.S. Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brunson have recently voiced opposition to such a move.
How could these differing views shape the upcoming negotiations?

8. (Min) Prof. Min, there’s talk that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could visit South Korea next month.
In addition to addressing North Korea’s advancing nuclear program, do you think this visit could be a chance to solidify defense cost-sharing talks? What kind of strategy should South Korea prepare?

9. (Gaudin) With the latest pause, the reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect after South Korea's early presidential election. How can Acting President Han’s administration help lay the groundwork for the next government to step into the negotiations?

10. (Min) Pro-Korea members of the U.S. Congress are expected to visit South Korea this week. Prof. Min, given that Congress can serve as a counterbalance to the Trump administration, could this visit stand as a significant opportunity in shaping future negotiations?


This wraps up our program for tonight,
Thank you for your insights and your time, Prof.Min and Prof.Gaudin. we appreciate it.
And that will be all from us on Within the Frame.
Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to explore the stories that matter. Until then, stay informed and engaged!

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2025-04-14, 20:30 (KST)