According to multiple media reports including The Hankyoreh and Yonhap, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung answered various questions during his 100-day press conference on November 11. Regarding follow-up consultations on South Korea-US tariffs, he stated that he would not reach any backroom agreements with the United States and would absolutely not make decisions that go against South Korea’s national interests.
“It is clear that I will not make any backroom agreements, and I will absolutely not make decisions that go against the national interests of the Republic of Korea,” Lee said at the press conference. “I will not engage in any negotiations that deviate from reason and fairness, so it’s a bit difficult.”
Lee explained, “Diplomatic negotiations actually have many parts that are to explain publicly. The negotiations are not yet complete, and it would be inappropriate and difficult to disclose the content exchanged during this process. The results should be based on the current public state.” He added, “The problems exposed on the surface of the negotiations are rough, extreme, unreasonable, and nonsensical, but the final conclusion will be reasonably implemented. Overall, we are making efforts to negotiate.”
Additionally, regarding the recent incident where the US suddenly arrested more than 300 South Korean citizens, Lee stated that this event would cause South Korean companies to be “very hesitant” when investing in the US.
At the 100-day press conference on November 11, Lee answered a total of 22 questions from reporters. The press conference was originally scheduled for 90 minutes, but after exceeding the allotted time, Lee said he would “accept as many questions as time permits,” causing the press conference to last 152 minutes, an hour longer than originally planned.