Presidential Office: Semiconductor Fact Sheet Will Ease U.S. Concerns
Presidential Office: Semiconductor Fact Sheet Will Ease U.S. Concerns
The Presidential Office has stated that the recent controversy surrounding trade negotiations between South Korea and the United States will be resolved through the release of a fact sheet. Addressing concerns about discrepancies between the U.S. announcement and Korea's understanding, the Presidential Office emphasized that the forthcoming fact sheet will clearly reflect details pertaining to semiconductors. This is seen as an attempt to dispel suspicions that the agreement was reached on terms unfavorable to South Korea. An official from the Presidential Office predicted that the release of the fact sheet would transparently disclose the details of the agreement between the two countries, thereby alleviating public misunderstanding and restoring trust. The fact sheet is expected to include detailed results of negotiations on sensitive issues such as tariffs and security, and will be signed and released along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Presidential Office anticipates that the release of this fact sheet will further solidify the South Korea-U.S. relationship and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, appeared on SBS News on October 30, 2025, to address remarks made by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Luttick. While Secretary Luttick claimed that 'South Korea agreed to fully open its market 100%', Chief of Staff Kang countered that no additional tariff eliminations or market openings, including in the agricultural sector, were promised in this agreement. This proactive clarification aimed to address the conflicting accounts from the U.S. and South Korea, demonstrating the Presidential Office's commitment to resolving the controversy quickly. Chief of Staff Kang also stated that a joint fact sheet or MOU documenting the details of the agreement between South Korea and the U.S. would be finalized within days, emphasizing that the release of the fact sheet would resolve the controversy. The Presidential Office aims to provide accurate information about the agreement between the two countries and dispel unnecessary misunderstandings through the release of this fact sheet.
Kim Yong-beom, Chief of Policy Staff, appeared on KBS News to refute Secretary Luttick's statement that 'semiconductor tariffs are not part of this agreement.' Chief of Staff Kim stated that the forthcoming fact sheet would reflect matters related to semiconductors, clarifying the Korean government's position on the semiconductor industry. In particular, Chief of Staff Kim explained that the fact sheet would include provisions granting South Korea terms no less favorable than those given to Taiwan, in an effort to alleviate concerns about weakening the competitiveness of the Korean semiconductor industry. This is seen as a response to concerns that Korean companies could be disadvantaged in the ongoing U.S.-led restructuring of the semiconductor supply chain. The Presidential Office emphasized that it will do its best to protect the interests of the Korean semiconductor industry and maintain its competitiveness in the global market through the release of this fact sheet.
Wi Sung-rak, National Security Advisor, appeared on MBC News and stated that President Lee Jae-myung's request for 'nuclear-powered submarines' during the summit was also discussed at the summit in August. This is interpreted as a reaffirmation of the Korean government's commitment to introducing nuclear-powered submarines and an effort to explore cooperation with the U.S. National Security Advisor Wi also stated that the South Korea-China summit scheduled for November 1st aims to create an opportunity to comprehensively restore relations. This demonstrates the Korean government's diplomatic strategy of strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance while improving relations with China to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Presidential Office will continue to focus on maximizing national interests by strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance. In particular, it is expected that improving relations with China will have a positive impact on resolving the North Korean issue.
The Presidential Office announced that it plans to sign and release a fact sheet and MOU detailing the results of negotiations in the areas of tariffs and security soon. This is interpreted as a measure to transparently disclose the results of trade negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. and help the public understand them. The fact sheet is expected to include detailed results of negotiations on sensitive issues such as tariffs and security, and will be signed and released along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Presidential Office anticipates that the release of this fact sheet will further solidify the South Korea-U.S. relationship and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. In particular, the fact sheet is expected to include provisions to protect the interests of the Korean semiconductor industry and maintain its competitiveness in the global market. The Presidential Office will continue to focus on maximizing national interests by strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance. It will also listen to public opinion and reflect it in the policy-making process to earn public trust.
