**South Korea Braces for Trade Negotiations Amid Tariff Threats from Trump**

President Lee Jae Myung faces a tariff ultimatum from the Trump administration, sparking urgent negotiations to maintain the longstanding alliance with the U.S.

In a tense trade climate, South Korea's newly elected President Lee Jae Myung, who took office just over a month ago, is navigating complex negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. Following Lee's recent outreach to Washington, Trump publicly indicated he might impose a hefty 25 percent tariff on South Korean goods starting August 1, unless significant progress is made to address what he claims are unfair trade practices.

The urgency of these discussions is heightened by recent political turmoil in South Korea, triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment. As a result, trade negotiations had stalled, adding further pressure on Lee’s administration to act decisively to safeguard the nation's economic interests.

Shortly after Trump's letter outlining the potential tariff was shared on social media, key South Korean officials convened to strategize a response. At this meeting, Kim Yong-beom, the chief policy coordinator, emphasized the importance of prioritizing South Korea’s national interests over hasty agreements.

Despite the looming deadline for the tariff implementation, South Korean officials expressed optimism regarding the remaining time to negotiate favorable outcomes. The Ministry of Trade issued a statement underscoring their commitment to achieving a mutually beneficial resolution, indicating plans for institutional reforms to address U.S. concerns about trade deficits.

As the clock ticks down to the potential tariff deadline, both nations find themselves at a pivotal moment, with implications for trade dynamics and international relations in the region at stake.