Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok flies to U.S. for 2+2 trade talks with Washington

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok departed for the U.S. today to attend "two-plus-two" trade consultations set to take place later this week.

Other than expected topics, the Korean team is also preparing for unexpected ones, too.

Our Park Kun-woo reports.

South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok departed for the U.S. on Tuesday to attend the upcoming "2+2 trade talks" with Washington to address trade and tariff issues.

"I will return after paving the way for renewed discussions on strengthening the alliance with the U.S."

The talks, reportedly proposed by the U.S., will be the first high-level trade consultations since the start of Trump's second term, and will be held on Thursday local time.

Joining Choi are Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Ahn is set to depart on Wednesday.

Key agenda items are expected to be trade issues following Trump's reciprocal tariffs and bilateral cooperation in energy and shipbuilding.

Seoul is also preparing for unexpected topics from the U.S. and accordingly plans to send officials from other ministries, including foreign affairs and agriculture.

The government is reportedly preparing for the possibility of Trump joining the talks, as seen in recent negotiations with Japan.

Trade Minister Ahn said the agenda items will not cover the FTA or the stationing of U.S. forces in Korea.

Acting President Han Duk-soo also on Tuesday expressed hope that the meeting will lead to a "win-win" solution and mark a meaningful starting point for deeper cooperation between the two countries.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.