Journalist

Kang Min seon
  • Progress made in tariff Talks with US, deal expected before APEC summit
    'Progress' made in tariff Talks with US, deal expected before APEC summit SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Expectations are growing for a possible breakthrough in tariff negotiations with the U.S. as "significant progress" appears to be made. Presidential policy chief Kim Yong-beom, who returned from Washington, D.C., on Sunday, said, "Significant progress was made in negotiations with the U.S., as most issues have been settled." Though some areas still require adjustments, he expressed optimism about reaching a deal to finalize trade talks before the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which is scheduled to be held in the historic city of Gyeongju from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. When asked how Seoul would fulfill its pledge to invest US$350 billion in the U.S., agreed in late July to lower reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent, Kim declined to comment on specific details. But he explained that the U.S. recognized the difficulties of making the investment in full and "upfront," as claimed by U.S. President Donald Trump, with both sides working to come up with mutually beneficial arrangements. Regarding currency swap deals as part of protective measures should a lump-sum cash payment be made, he said the U.S. fully understands the potential impact on the foreign exchange market. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, who met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in the U.S., also returned the same day but declined to comment on the ongoing tariff negotiations. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 09:40:48
  • Lee outlines phased approach to North Koreas denuclearization at UN
    Lee outlines phased approach to North Korea's denuclearization at UN SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung outlined his vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula in a keynote speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. Speaking seventh, he pledged to end Cold War-era hostility and confrontations in the region and to promote global peace through his so-called "END initiative," which highlights exchange, normalization, and denuclearization as its key principles. "History tells us that exchange and cooperation are the quickest paths to peace. We will make these efforts step by step to achieve sustainable peace," he said. He also expressed his willingness to support North Korea in normalizing its standing on the global stage, while working to improve inter-Korean relations. Regarding North Korea's denuclearization, he said he will pursue a practical, phased approach, starting with halting, then reducing, and ultimately eliminating its nuclear weapons. Emphasizing the need to rebuild trust and mutual respect between the two Koreas, Lee added, "South Korea will not seek reunification by attempting to absorb the North or by engaging in any hostile actions." Lee concluded his speech by calling for multilateral collaboration to address global challenges, stressing the UN's core principles of cooperation and trust. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-24 09:21:37