Kim Minseok: "Korea-US Tariff Deal Protected Agricultural Interests, But We Must Strengthen National Power"

Prime Minister Kim Minseok evaluated the Korea-US tariff negotiations, which were concluded last week, at a Cabinet meeting on the 5th, stating, "We have protected the vital interests of the agricultural and livestock industries."

Prime Minister Kim Minseok (center) is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held on the 5th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On this morning, Prime Minister Kim presided over the Cabinet meeting at the Government Complex Seoul and said, "Despite challenging circumstances, we have achieved meaningful results." The heads of the relevant ministries who led the conclusion of the Korea-US tariff negotiations, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yooncheol and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jungkwan, also attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Kim went on to say, "After the tariff negotiations ended, the President's words about 'the need to strengthen national power' resonated deeply with me," and reflected, "It was a time when everyone here felt an urgent sense of duty that we must work relentlessly to become a country that confidently protects its people."

This Cabinet meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Kim as President Lee Jaemyung is on summer vacation. Prime Minister Kim said, "I believe the President is currently taking time to focus on major strategic plans for our nation and economy within the overall context of international relations, including follow-up measures to the Korea-US tariff negotiations and the Korea-US summit," and reiterated, "I once again urge everyone to do their utmost in their respective positions to strengthen our national power."

Meanwhile, three ministers?Kwon Oeul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; Choi Hwiyoung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Kim Yundeok, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport?attended the Cabinet meeting for the first time since their appointments. Minister Kwon, who had been criticized during the National Assembly confirmation process for receiving overlapping salaries and various controversial remarks, said in his greeting, "As I am returning to public office after a long time, I am inexperienced and lacking in many ways," and added, "I will adapt as quickly as possible and actively fulfill my duties in veterans affairs."

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