SEOUL, South Korea – In a candid moment reflecting growing economic anxieties, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung shared that ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States are sparking unease in the foreign exchange market, raising flags for both local and international observers.
During a high-profile meeting with US congressional members in New York on Monday, President Lee emphasized that while concerns are valid, he remains optimistic about reaching a resolution that aligns with commercial logic and mutual benefit.
This dialogue unfolded on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders from around the globe are gathering to discuss pressing global issues — trade being one of them.
At the heart of the matter is an effort by South Korea to finalize a trade agreement with the United States aimed at rolling back import duties introduced under former President Donald Trump’s administration. The outcome of these discussions is likely to have wide-ranging implications, not only for bilateral trade but also for currency markets and economic stability.
President Lee had previously signaled that a major South Korean investment tied to this deal could put pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, a sensitive issue as the won continues to respond to global market shifts.
