Top S. Korean security official expects 'good' outcome from tariff talks with U.S.

National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik is in the U.S. to meet with senior government officials for talks on trade and security following the most recent remarks about reciprocal tariffs by Mr. Trump at a joint session of Congress Tuesday night.

Lee Seung-jae reports.

National Security Advisor Shin Won-shik arrived at Dulles International Airport on Wednesday en route to Washington to hold talks with his U.S. counterpart Mike Waltz and other senior U.S. officials.

He's expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in security, the economy, the shipbuilding industry, and more.

Amid recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump that South Korea's average tariff is four times higher than that of the U.S., trade and tariff issues could top the agenda.

While the security official said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on Trump's remarks he stressed that there are almost no tariffs between the two countries.

Shin also expressed optimism, anticipating a "good" outcome, saying that the two allies seek a "win-win" result on the back of continued discussions between officials from two the countries.

Responding to a question about whether he would discuss the possibility of President Trump engaging in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Shin said all North Korea-related issues will be discussed.

He noted that during a recent G7 foreign ministerial meeting held in Munich, Seoul confirmed through working channels that the Trump administration has stressed the need to closely communicate with Seoul on North Korean issues, including the possibility of a Trump-Kim summit.

On whether the Trump administration could seek a significant rise in South Korea's share of the cost for stationing U.S. troops in Korea, Shin said no discussions have taken place on the matter, but said that the two countries will "smoothly disentangle" the issue based on the spirit of the longstanding alliance.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.