[Inside Chodong] The Uncertain 'Golf Meeting' and the Scheduled 'Economic Negotiations'

It was around the end of August this year. I casually visited a church with my family and was surprised to find that Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of the Trump Group, was giving a testimony. Ultimately, Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election by a landslide, but at that time, he was already a strong candidate. Especially about a month before the testimony, a photo capturing Trump’s dramatic gesture after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally had circulated, leading to the assessment that "the election was already over."

What personally surprised me was that Trump Jr. gave his testimony directly from the pulpit of a Korean church. During the presidential campaign, Trump Jr. wielded significant influence in the campaign, and there are expectations that he would become a key figure in the second Trump administration. The testimony took place during a tense period leading up to the election. Despite the urgency, he took time out of his schedule to visit Korea and give the testimony.

What was even more surprising was that Trump Jr.’s visit to Korea did not receive much attention at the time. News of his visit only became public after the U.S. presidential election concluded and Trump’s victory was confirmed. Meanwhile, our presidential office reportedly made quiet contact with him, considering the various aspects of the relationship with the United States.

Our government has faced criticism for not responding adequately to visits by key figures in U.S. politics. A representative example is the 2022 visit of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. At that time, the U.S. House was pushing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a crucial bill directly linked to the future of our advanced industries. However, when Speaker Pelosi arrived at the airport, no government officials came to greet her, which drew criticism. In contrast, in the case of Trump Jr., the government responded swiftly despite the lack of public attention.

Amid this, I recently came across an article stating that President Yoon has been actively practicing golf. The presidential office explained, "He is practicing in anticipation of a golf meeting with President Trump." I have no intention of criticizing the president’s golf. It is hard to accept criticism that the president’s golf is extravagant given our country’s economic level. However, I do not understand the presidential office’s explanation that it is "preparation for a golf meeting." The opposition party points out that President Yoon has been playing golf since August this year, which coincides with the time Trump Jr. visited Korea. Would it not have been more beneficial for national interests to meet Trump Jr. rather than just practicing golf? Moreover, I wonder whether President Trump would even play golf with President Yoon. I doubt the public will accept the explanation that the president is practicing for a golf meeting that may or may not happen.

Our government faces clearer challenges than the uncertain "golf meeting." President Trump refers to our country as a "money machine." With the second Trump administration anticipated, a time has come when we must worry about the large-scale investments poured in based on the firm U.S.-Korea alliance. Additionally, there are pressing economic issues such as aggressive tariff hikes and the renegotiation of the U.S.-Korea defense cost-sharing agreement, which Trump has repeatedly emphasized throughout his campaign.

The exchange rate has already surpassed 1,400 won, and the KOSPI has fallen below 2,500 points. These figures reflect the uncertainty and anxiety regarding the second Trump administration. Addressing scheduled economic issues with the U.S. should take priority over possible golf practice. I hope our government will respond strategically to economic challenges, just as it did with Trump Jr.’s visit.

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