[Edaily Reporter Hwang Byeong Seo ] Regarding media reports that the U.S. government pressured the South Korean government by threatening to raise tariffs if it did not expedite investments in the U.S., the Blue House stated, “Close discussions are underway through various channels regarding strategic investment projects between South Korea and the U.S.”

A Blue House official said on the 14th, “We are responding to pending trade issues with the U.S. through frequent and close communication within the government.” The official added, “We cannot confirm details regarding bilateral discussions, internal government communication, or response measures,” and noted, “As of now, no plans have been finalized for the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy to visit the U.S.”

Earlier, a media outlet reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce had sent another email to the South Korean government this week regarding investment projects in the U.S., following a similar communication at the end of last month. According to the report, the letter expressed dissatisfaction that the $200 billion investment project in the U.S.—which both countries had pledged through a “Joint Fact Sheet”—had not been announced for 10 months. It was reported that another email with even stronger pressure was sent earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the Blue House reportedly held an emergency meeting attended by ministers from relevant agencies to discuss how to respond to the U.S. demands.