What is expected to top agenda at Korea-U.S. summit?

And attention is now on what specific items will be on the table.

For now, security and trade are expected to top the agenda.

Park Kun-woo has more.

As the Korea-U.S. summit approaches later this month, speculation is mounting over the possible agenda items.

One is security, including "modernizing" the alliance, which could involve changes to the size and role of the U.S. Forces Korea, increasing defense spending, and greater strategic flexibility.

This comes after remarks last week from USFK Commander Xavier Brunson, who cited evolving security threats, including from the North's nuclear program expansion.

Asked about a potential troop reduction, he stressed capability over numbers.

Observers are watching how much Seoul can concede, as fully rejecting U.S. requests may be difficult while maintaining stability on the peninsula.

The Washington Post also reported that the U.S. initially sought to raise Korea's defense spending from 2-point-6 percent to 3-point-8 percent of GDP, along with boosting Seoul's annual cost-sharing payments for U.S. troops.

Another expected key item is finalizing details of Korea's 350 billion U.S. dollar investment pledge made during tariff negotiations.

About 150 billion is expected to go toward the MASGA project, possibly through acquiring and operating U.S. shipyards, and building and supplying naval and commercial vessels.

The rest would possibly be invested more broadly in sectors such as chips and batteries.

Specific investment sectors and timelines for implementation are expected to be discussed.

Talks may also touch on non-tariff barriers, from the possible allowance of agriculture and beef imports to digital trade issues.

With about two weeks remaining, the summit is expected to tackle these issues, with the hope of concluding the talks with constructive outcomes for both sides.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.