[Financial News] The Korea-US Trade Negotiation Delegation is returning to Korea after completing its schedule in Washington, D.C. South Korea held intensive negotiations with the Trump administration over the execution method and timing of the $350 billion (about $480 trillion) US investment pledged as a condition for tariff reductions. Attention is focused on whether a final outcome will be announced at the Korea-US summit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju later this month. According to the Office of the President of South Korea on the 19th, Kim Yong-beom, Policy Chief, Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, and Yeo Han-koo, Trade Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, will return to Korea via Incheon Airport this afternoon. Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, is scheduled to return a day later, on the 20th, after visiting the LG Energy Solution battery plant and Hyundai Motor Company plant in Savannah, Georgia. On the 16th (local time), Kim Yong-beom, Kim Jung-kwan, and Yeo Han-koo held a meeting in Washington, D.C., with Howard William Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce, for over two hours to discuss the investment structure and implementation plans. Afterwards, they met with Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for about 50 minutes. The OMB is a key agency that reviews the fiscal impact of trade policies, and this meeting was interpreted as focusing on discussions regarding the funding and operational structure of the investment package. After the meeting, Kim Yong-beom only commented, “We had a thorough discussion for two hours,” avoiding further details. However, it is possible that he will briefly mention the negotiation results or future direction upon arrival in Korea. Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol also met with Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, on the 15th to convey concerns that the US demand for ‘advance investment’ could undermine foreign exchange market stability, while simultaneously holding negotiations with other key officials. On the 16th, he told accompanying reporters, “Secretary Bessent understands well that it is difficult for Korea to accept the US request to provide the $350 billion investment up front,” adding, “He is likely to have discussed this internally with Secretary Lutnick.” He continued, “Since there is understanding on that point, it could be a positive aspect for us.” Yeo Han-koo is also reported to have held a separate meeting with Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative (USTR). While the exact progress of the negotiations remains unclear, the lengthy meetings suggest that the parties may be nearing the stage of finalizing the agreement text. However, there is also caution that it is too early to conclude that President Donald Trump’s ‘advance payment’ stance has softened. In particular, some negotiation variables, such as the conclusion of a currency swap agreement, have seen no progress. Wi Sung-lac, Chief of the Office of National Security (ONS), stated at a press briefing on the 16th, “There has been little progress regarding the currency swap.” Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol stated, “A currency swap is neither a prerequisite nor a decisive factor in the negotiations.” He explained, “Depending on the negotiation results, the method of foreign currency procurement may change, and a swap is just one of several alternatives.” He added, “The demand for foreign currency will vary depending on the scheme that is developed, and we will respond accordingly. If necessary, we can consider various procurement methods, including a currency swap.” The government is expected to continue follow-up consultations with the US to finalize the agreement before the opening of the APEC summit. The final issues are likely to include setting the investment period for the $350 billion US investment and establishing safeguards to ensure Korea’s foreign exchange reserves are not threatened during the investment process. spring@fnnews.com Lee Bo-mi Reporter