S. Korea's "last ditch" tariff talks with U.S. as deadline approaches

As more countries continue to move to strike tariff deals with the U.S., South Korea is no exception.

Seoul's trade officials are set to hold talks with their U.S. counterparts in Washington for two days starting Thursday, local time.

For more, we have our Park Kun-woo on the line.

Kun-woo, do tell us more.

Eun-ji, with Trump's deadline for "reciprocal" tariffs approaching, South Korea is entering the final stages of negotiations in Washington.

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan landed in the U.S. on Wednesday for two days of talks with Trump administration figures, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

The meetings are taking place following the U.S. reaching a deal with Japan to lower tariff rates from 25 percent to 15 percent.

On questions about the deal between the U.S. and Japan, Industry Minister Kim said it was too early to make any judgments.

"We're carefully examining the U.S.-Japan deal to determine how we should respond. Some elements, we can refer to, while others, need more of a comparison."

Speaking on Trump's latest remarks, warning that countries unwilling to open their markets won't see any tariff relief, Kim said that has been Trump's consistent stance, and that the government has been closely monitoring the situation.

He said his visit can be described as a "full court press," aiming not only for tariff cuts but also to bolster cooperation in key strategic sectors, such as manufacturing and energy.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, along with chief free trade negotiator Yeo Han-koo was set to participate in a 2+2 high-level meeting on Friday over tariffs with their U.S. counterparts Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

However, we've just learned that the meeting has been canceled due to Bessent's urgent schedule.

A Finance ministry's spokesperson said the U.S. has proposed rescheduling the meeting within the next few days, and both sides are working to set a new date as soon as possible.

So it seems we'll have to wait and see for any further announcements as this could be the last chance for South Korea to achieve a breakthrough.

That's all I have for you now.

Back to you, Eun-ji.