Office of the President of South Korea: "Korea Has Already Opened Its Market to All U.S. Products... No Further Changes Planned"

On the 30th, the Office of the President of South Korea dismissed remarks by Howard William Lutnick, United States Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary, who suggested that Korea had agreed to further open its market. The office clarified, "Korea has already fully opened its market to all U.S. products."
Kim Nam-joon, spokesperson for the Office of the President of South Korea, responded to related questions by stating, "No additional changes have been made as a result of this agreement."
Previously, Howard William Lutnick, Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce, remarked that "Korea has expressed full agreement to 100% market opening." He also emphasized that "issues related to semiconductors were not included in the negotiations." This statement contrasts with the Office of the President of South Korea's earlier announcement that semiconductor tariffs would not be applied less favorably than those for competing countries such as Taiwan.
In response, spokesperson Kim stated, "Our position remains consistent and unchanged," adding, "Regarding semiconductors, both Korea and the United States have agreed to ensure that semiconductor tariffs are not applied less favorably than those for Taiwan." He further explained, "By securing the same footing as our competitor Taiwan, uncertainty has been eliminated. The announcement made the previous day was based on mutual agreement between both sides."
He also mentioned, "We are in the final stage of reviewing the relevant documents." However, he noted, "Specific matters such as the timing of the announcement will be discussed in future consultations."

west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter