S. Korea's prime minister reaffirms economic ties with U.S. at AMCHAM forum

In the meantime, a solid economic alliance between Seoul and Washington was once again underscored by South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Tuesday, who stressed the importance of a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.

Park Jun-han reports.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok gave a speech on Tuesday at a special forum, "Meet the New Prime Minister," organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, in which he outlined the country's economic policy direction for the next five years.

The event reflected growing interest from the U.S. business community in Seoul's economic agenda.

When making the speech, Prime Minister Kim started off reframing the Trump administration's slogan, "Make America Great Again" to "Make Korea and U.S. Great Again."

Kim's slogan adjustment emphasized cooperation, highlighting that South Korea and the U.S. can grow stronger together.

"The United States will grow stronger when it works with South Korea — effectively, and through a forward-looking partnership that fits today, not the past. I believe that with a broader vision and greater imagination, we will move beyond 'Make America Great Again' — toward 'Make Korea and the U.S. Great.' 'Make the U.S. and Korea Great.'"

During the event, Joseph Yun , Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, emphasized the United States' concerns over its own trade and budget deficits.

Yun, however, said the tariff talks between South Korea and the U.S. are going well and said the two sides will have good results very soon.

"I'm really grateful that the new South Korean government has worked so amicably, so cooperatively with us on trying to close these gaps, and I have no doubt we'll have good results very soon again."

James Kim, chairman and CEO of AMCHAM Korea, stated that the organization was working to bridge any gaps between South Korea and the U.S. so that the two countries' economic affairs can be conducted smoothly.

"We launched the AMCHAM Buy America campaign in partnership with our member companies to enhance the visibility and accessibility of U.S. products, with the 2025 APEC Summit just around the corner."

With the governments of South Korea and the United States actively negotiating on the 25% "reciprocal" tariffs, set to take effect in ten days,

Prime Minister Kim and the U.S. side reaffirmed their strong commitment to maintaining a business-friendly environment and deepening economic cooperation between Seoul and Washington.

Park Jun-han, Arirang News.