South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | April 3, 2025 | North Korea

A senior U.S. diplomat reiterated America’s commitment to the “complete” denuclearization of North Korea during a phone call with South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun. The conversation took place as part of efforts to maintain close coordination between Seoul and Washington on North Korean threats and other issues. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also expressed condolences for the loss and damage caused by recent wildfires in southeastern Korea.

The discussion included pressing security challenges, potential economic cooperation—especially in the energy sector—and the growing investments of South Korea in the U.S. economy. Landau emphasized working collaboratively with allies in the Indo-Pacific to address the challenges posed by a more assertive China, which he identified as the U.S.' primary strategic competitor.

Kim called for strengthening cooperation against North Korea’s nuclear, missile, and cyber threats while pursuing denuclearization. He urged an immediate halt to the military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, stressing that no compensation should be provided for North Korea's actions. Additionally, both sides discussed the U.S. plans to impose reciprocal tariffs and agreed that such measures should not disrupt economic cooperation, with a commitment to further discussions aimed at addressing mutual concerns.

Yonhap | English | News | April 3, 2025 | North Korea

North Korea condemned the recent agreement between the United States and Japan to co-produce an advanced air-to-air missile, labeling it as a destabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region. The North's defense ministry expressed concerns following an announcement made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his visit to Japan, where the collaboration on the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile was confirmed. A representative from the North's armament bureau criticized the escalating military ties between the U.S. and Japan as increasingly aggressive and aimed at deterring regional nations.

In response to the perceived threats, North Korea vowed to strengthen its deterrent capabilities. The official's remarks, conveyed through the Korean Central News Agency, highlighted the need for North Korea to actively counter the unstable security environment fostered by its adversaries. The statement also referenced recent actions by Japan, such as launching a new military command and contemplating the deployment of long-range missiles, which have provoked strong reactions from Pyongyang. North Korea’s heightened sensitivity to Japan’s military enhancements underscores the growing tensions in the region.

상호관세, 사안별 대응 한계…미국산 에너지 수입확대 필요

Joongang Ilbo | Local Language | News | April 3, 2025 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

Following the release of the "2025 Country Evaluation (NTE) Report" highlighting non-tariff trade barriers, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced reciprocal tariffs will be implemented, making South Korea's response critical. Trade experts argue that instead of reacting to each finding, Korea should prioritize rebalancing its overall trade relationship with the U.S. by leveraging its industrial and strategic contributions in negotiations.

The NTE Report identified several non-tariff barriers faced by Korea, such as limitations on beef imports, vehicle emissions regulations, drug pricing policies, and network usage fees imposed on content providers. Analysts noted that much of the report is repetitive yearly; thus, they advocate for a measured response rather than a knee-jerk reaction to every complaint. There is a concern that hasty responses could entangle Korea in a confrontational trade relationship similar to that seen under the Trump administration.

Korea's significant trade surplus with the U.S., which rose dramatically in the past year, may place it among the countries facing scrutiny for trade imbalances. Experts suggest that while a review of non-tariff measures is essential, Korea should selectively address U.S. demands rather than capitulate entirely. Emphasizing areas of Korean strength, such as energy imports, and leveraging cooperative ties could enhance Korea's negotiating power, particularly since it was a top investor in the U.S. last year in several sectors.