How will Trump's transactional diplomacy influence ties with allies like S. Korea?

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

As President Trump embarks on his second term, his administration is doubling down on its "America First" economic and trade policies, sparking concerns among key U.S. allies, including South Korea.

Trump's most recent tariff policy, which slaps 25 percent tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from March 12th, eliminates previous exemptions, which is expected to deal a big blow to South Korea's exports.

From semiconductor disputes to steel tariffs, South Korea faces mounting pressure to adjust its economic and diplomatic strategies.

Meanwhile, the resurgence of North Korean provocations and escalating U.S.-China trade tensions add further uncertainty to the region's security dynamics.

With this, how should Seoul navigate these challenges and protect its strategic interests? For this, we invite Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute via Zoom. Welcome, Dr. Cronin.

Also joining us is Lim Eun-jung, Professor of International Studies, at Kongju National University. Great to have you.

(LIM) 1. Let's start with Prof. Lim, Trump recently pinpointed South Korea and Taiwan for "taking away" America's semiconductor industry. This is the first time he explicitly mentioned Korea in this context. Could this signal a shift in Washington's broader trade policy toward Korea? How should Seoul navigate this uncertainty?

(CRONIN) 2. With Trump's strong rhetoric against Korea and Taiwan regarding semiconductors, do you expect additional trade restrictions or tariffs targeting Korean tech firms?

(CRONIN) 3. Staying with semiconductors, President Trump has repeatedly criticized the CHIPS Act and hinted at subsidy rollbacks. Dr. Cronin, what diplomatic strategies should South Korea pursue to protect its investments in the U.S.?

(LIM) 4. But trade tensions aren't limited to semiconductors—Washington has already moved forward with 25 percent steep tariffs on steel and aluminum today. This is expected to cost Korean steel companies over roughly 690 million U.S. dollars. How can Seoul leverage its economic and strategic importance to counterbalance increasing U.S. pressure?

(CRONIN) 5. Beyond trade, defense cooperation is another key issue in U.S.-Korea relations. With U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth set to visit Korea soon, what major topics will be on the agenda? And should Seoul brace for renewed pressure on defense cost-sharing, Dr. Cronin?

(LIM) 6. While military cost-sharing could become a contentious issue, Hegseth's emphasis on naval expansion presents another angle. With the U.S. potentially allowing naval ships to be built abroad, could this open new doors for Korea's shipbuilding industry? Prof. Lim, what's your take?

(LIM) 7. Let's also touch upon America's ties with North Korea. The regime launched multiple ballistic missiles on the first day of Freedom Shield exercises, the first time since Trump's reinauguration. Some see it as a diplomatic message toward Washington. Professor, how do you interpret this move?

(CRONIN) 8. With tensions on the Korean Peninsula rising, the White House reaffirmed its commitment to North Korea's complete denuclearization following the missile test. Dr. Cronin, what are the chances that Trump's "personal diplomacy" with Kim Jong-un will return in his second term?

(CRONIN) 9. While North Korea remains a major security concern, the broader geopolitical landscape is also shifting. The U.S. has recently imposed additional tariffs on Chinese goods, and China has responded with retaliatory tariffs. How do you assess the trajectory of the U.S.-China trade war under Trump's second term?

(LIM-x) 10. China has historically played a key role in North Korea-related diplomacy. With growing U.S.-China tensions, could Beijing use Pyongyang as leverage in negotiations with Washington?