S. Korean, U.S. leaders signal interest in "win-win" "one-stop shopping" deal in phone call

A deal between Korea and the U.S. could involve the one that ties trade and security.

The country's acting president spoke over the phone with the American leader last night.

Oh Soo-young reports.

The leaders of South Korea and the United States have signaled interest in a potential "win-win" package deal, amid tensions over tariffs and defense cost-sharing.

This came during a phone call Tuesday between Acting President Han Duck-soo and U.S. President Donald Trump,.marking the first top-level contact between the two countries since Trump began his second term 78 days ago.

It follows a leadership shift in Seoul,. just four days after President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office by the Constitutional Court, placing Han in full control as acting president.

The 28-minute conversation focused on trade and security issues.

On trade, both leaders agreed to continue ministerial-level talks aimed at mutually beneficial outcomes, particularly around trade balance.

Han highlighted potential cooperation in three key sectors: shipbuilding, liquefied natural gas, and trade adjustment.

The call came just 16 hours before the U.S. implemented its so-called Liberation Day levies a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports, and a country-specific reciprocal tariffs on goods from South Korea.

On security issues, Han called for stronger unity on North Korea's denuclearization, as both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

They also pledged close coordination on North Korea policies, and backed continued trilateral cooperation with Japan.

Beyond the formalities, both sides appeared to willing to work towards a deal.

Speaking to CNN earlier that day, Han ruled out retaliation against Trump's tariffs, unlike China or Japan, and called for a “cool negotiation.”

On top of last month's duties on steel and aluminum, Washington's latest measures target key Korean exports such as automobiles, batteries, and machinery.

While calling Trump's string of tariffs “a pity,” Han said he believed a “win-win deal” between friends could encourage Washington to ease its stance.

Meanwhile, Trump took to Truth Social, posting he had a "great call" with Han.

He said they discussed South Korea’s trade surplus, tariffs, LNG purchases, and cost-sharing for U.S. troops in Korea.

Trump claimed South Korea began paying “billions” in military costs during his first term, only for “Sleepy Joe Biden” to cancel the deal.

However, no such agreement was finalized.

A new cost-sharing pact was signed under Biden last year, raising South Korea’s contribution by 8.3 percent from 2026, with annual increases tied to inflation, marking a significant financial commitment by Seoul.

Still, as a growing number of countries strike back against his tariffs, Trump seemed hopeful for a breakthrough with South Korea, saying he saw potential for a "great deal."

Noting that South Korea’s “top team” on trade was en route to Washington, he floated a “one-stop shopping” approach which bundles trade, defense, and industrial policy into one sweeping pact.

A South Korean government official told local press on Wednesday that Seoul prioritizes the easing of tariffs.

The official added that Trump seemed "open" to a streamlined, package deal, but said sealing a deal will depend on the pace of negotiations, and what cards the two sides bring to the table.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, Sejong.