Ahead of South Korea-US Summit, Ruling and Opposition Parties Urge Successful Agricultural and Livestock Negotiations

Ruling Party: "US Agricultural Quarantine Will Follow Established Procedures"
Opposition: "No Opening of Agricultural Markets, No Compromise"

Ahead of the South Korea-US summit, both the ruling and opposition parties urged that discussions ensure there are no disadvantages to Korean agriculture regarding the opening of the agricultural and livestock markets.

Yonhap News

On the 25th, a ruling party lawmaker from the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee told Asia Economy, "I expect there may be a demand to ease non-tariff barriers related to quarantine in the agricultural sector," adding, "Korea has never treated the US unfairly regarding quarantine, and all procedures have been carried out according to international standards. Therefore, even if the US makes such demands, our position will inevitably be to proceed according to established procedures." He continued, "It would be impossible to take any measures that go beyond the usual quarantine procedures for the US," and added, "I trust the President will handle this well."

Previously, during the South Korea-US tariff negotiations, the government reported that although the US demanded a full opening of the agricultural and livestock markets, it was agreed that sensitive items such as rice and beef would not be opened. However, after the conclusion of the tariff negotiations, President Trump stated on social media that Korea had agreed to fully open its market to US trade, including agricultural products, leading to speculation that there could be unexpected demands during this summit.

Opposition lawmakers also insisted that "the summit should focus on national interests" and argued that concerns regarding the opening of the agricultural and livestock markets must be dispelled. An opposition lawmaker from the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee told Asia Economy, "Successive governments have always prioritized other industries, sacrificing agriculture first," and added, "We are watching to ensure that the principles upheld during the initial negotiations are strictly maintained."

He further stated, "There is a high possibility that the issue of quarantine will be raised, but this goes beyond agriculture and concerns the public's right to health, so it is not an issue that can be conceded as a bargaining chip," emphasizing, "This must be firmly protected."

Song Eonseok, interim leader and floor leader, said at a press briefing the previous day, "National Security Advisor Wi Seongrak said, 'It is true that the US is demanding additional opening of agricultural products,' which is very concerning," and pointed out, "After President Trump's social media post, the People Power Party raised concerns about this issue, but the government has repeatedly told us not to worry without providing any clear explanation."

Song further stated, "The public demands that the government stand firm against US demands and keep its promise not to open the agricultural and livestock markets," and added, "President Lee Jaemyung, as the President of the Republic of Korea, I earnestly urge you to protect our national interests and dignity at the South Korea-US summit."

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