President Lee Jae Myung grabbed the spotlight Thursday as he ran his first National Security Council meeting since taking the big chair last month. The presidential office confirmed Lee would get the full rundown on security problems facing the country. Top officials planned to brief the new leader on all the hot button issues during the high stakes gathering. Lee stepped into his role as commander in chief during the crucial session. The meeting marked a major milestone for the fresh administration.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac had just returned from America after four days of tough talks with Washington bigwigs. The adviser met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other heavy hitters about trade deals and military partnerships. Wi brought back fresh intelligence from his meetings with Trump administration officials. The timing of his return made the NSC meeting even more important. Lee needed to hear what the Americans were really thinking about their alliance.
Trump had already threatened to slam South Korea with brutal 25 percent tariffs on all their goods. The punishment fees were set to kick in on August 1st after the president pushed back his original deadline. The delay gave both countries more time to hammer out a better deal. Trade negotiators from both sides were scrambling to avoid the economic disaster. The tariff threat hung over every discussion between the two longtime allies.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac had just returned from America after four days of tough talks with Washington bigwigs. The adviser met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other heavy hitters about trade deals and military partnerships. Wi brought back fresh intelligence from his meetings with Trump administration officials. The timing of his return made the NSC meeting even more important. Lee needed to hear what the Americans were really thinking about their alliance.
Trump had already threatened to slam South Korea with brutal 25 percent tariffs on all their goods. The punishment fees were set to kick in on August 1st after the president pushed back his original deadline. The delay gave both countries more time to hammer out a better deal. Trade negotiators from both sides were scrambling to avoid the economic disaster. The tariff threat hung over every discussion between the two longtime allies.
