Will the United States–Korea Tariff Negotiations Be Resolved at APEC? Ruling Party Warns, 'If the Worst Happens, National Assembly May Reject U.S. Investment Ratification'
- Input
- 2025-10-09 18:34:33
- Updated
- 2025-10-09 18:34:33
According to ruling party sources on the 9th, the DPK is considering rejecting the ratification of $350 billion in U.S. investment in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea if it becomes difficult to reach a tariff agreement before or after APEC, as targeted by the government.
Previously, on the 18th of last month, Wi Sung-lac, Chief of the Office of National Security (ONS), expressed his determination to conclude the tariff negotiations around APEC during a breakfast meeting with lawmakers from both parties.
Accordingly, the DPK intends to observe the government-led negotiations for the time being, but is also considering the rejection of ratification in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea as a 'Plan B' in case of unforeseen circumstances.
A DPK official told Financial News, "We are receiving reports that the government-led negotiations, which aim for a resolution at APEC, are progressing well so far, so the current sentiment is to wait and see until then." The official added, "However, if the situation does not improve after APEC, we will look for measures that can be taken at the level of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea." The official further explained, "Rejecting ratification in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea could be considered as a means of pressuring the U.S."
The issue of ratifying U.S. investment in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea was first raised by People Power Party lawmakers during a government questioning session on the 16th of last month, and the government also acknowledged this. According to the Constitution, treaties or legislation that impose significant fiscal burdens must be ratified by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
Until APEC, the DPK plans to focus on supporting the government's negotiations from the sidelines. The party is contacting the U.S. government, Congress, and business community to issue indirect warnings that, while not an outright hardline response such as rejecting ratification, difficulties may arise.
During the Chuseok holiday, lawmakers Lee Un-ju, Kim Yong-min, Jeon Yong-gi, and Kim Junhyeok visited the U.S. This was a representative move, as they met with the American business community rather than the government. Their aim was to mobilize U.S. business leaders, who would be troubled if U.S. investment faced setbacks, in order to create favorable public opinion for the negotiations. They conveyed that it would be difficult for Korea to proceed with the direct investments sought by the U.S. government.
In an interview with Financial News, Lee Un-ju stated, "Rather than saying we will reject ratification of U.S. investment in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, we are continuing to explain that the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea cannot ratify investments made in the form of cash payments at this time."
Meanwhile, the Rebuilding Korea Party, which is also part of the ruling bloc, has already called for a strong response from the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. Emergency Committee Chair Cho Kuk suggested via social media, "Let us pass a resolution in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea immediately after the holiday period to reject the U.S.'s unilateral demands," and proposed, "Let the leaders of both parties hold a joint press conference for foreign media to emphasize that Korea cannot comply with the U.S.'s unfair requests."
Yoon-ho Kim (uknow@fnnews.com)