Kim Seong-han: "US Considering Inflation Reduction Act at NSC Level... Productive Korea-Japan and Korea-US Talks"

Improving Korea-Japan Relations and Addressing North Korea's Nuclear Issue
"Discussing Cooperation Measures with the US and Japan to Accept North Korea's Bold Proposal"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The White House National Security Council (NSC) has decided to review the impact on South Korea caused by the 'Inflation Reduction Act (IRA),' under which U.S. electric vehicle subsidies will exclude Korean-made vehicles.

Kim Sung-han, Director of the National Security Office, stated this on the 31st (local time) after a bilateral meeting with Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, held in Hawaii.

Director Kim said, "(Advisor Sullivan) mentioned that the IRA seems to have more positives than negatives from South Korea's perspective, but he also said they would closely examine how the electric vehicle subsidy issue will unfold and what impact it will have."

Additionally, it was reported that the NSC will explain the review results to the Korean side before the White House issues any executive orders related to the IRA. Regarding this, Director Kim explained, "I think it would be good to wait a little longer and respond at an inter-ministerial level." Currently, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are addressing this issue.

During the South Korea-U.S. National Security Directors' meeting, opinions were also exchanged on strengthening trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, alongside North Korea issues. Director Kim held a bilateral meeting with Takeo Akiba, Director of Japan's National Security Secretariat, just before the meeting with Advisor Sullivan.

Regarding this, a senior government official explained, "Under the leadership of the NSCs of both countries, various ministries' positions will be coordinated to respond swiftly to North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements with extended deterrence."

Director Kim introduced, "I evaluate that very productive consultations were held regarding improving South Korea-Japan relations and addressing North Korea issues."

He continued, "First, many points of discussion are focused on resolving the forced labor issue. Once that issue is resolved, I expect that a comprehensive solution to other problems can be derived."

He added, "It is as important to consider the feelings of the victims as it is to negotiate with Japan," and said, "The government must do its best." Foreign Minister Park Jin is scheduled to meet with victims of Japanese forced labor in Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 2nd.

Regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's recently announced North Korea roadmap, the 'Bold Initiative,' he said, "We discussed how to cooperate with the U.S. and Japan to have North Korea accept the Bold Initiative."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.