Members of the Democratic Party of Korea welcomed the news of the mutual tariff agreement with the United States, claiming it benefited both national interests and alliances. The U.S. mutual tariff was scheduled to be imposed at 25% starting next month, but through this negotiation, it has been reduced to 15%.
Kim Byeong-ki, the acting leader of the Democratic Party and the floor leader, noted at the policy adjustment meeting held at the National Assembly on the 31st, "This is indeed the Lee Jae-myung government. The practical diplomacy centered on national interests was correct," adding, "I would like to thank President Lee Jae-myung and the government for responding to the people's great expectations with valuable achievements within just two months of its launch."
He emphasized, "This negotiation will further strengthen the industrial cooperation between Korea and the U.S. and solidify the Korea-U.S. alliance," while reaffirming the President Lee's and the government's firm will to secure the livelihood of our farmers and food security.
Kim, the acting leader, issued a statement on Facebook shortly after the announcement of the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations settlement, saying, "The conclusion of the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations is a valuable achievement of practical diplomacy by the people's sovereignty government," and expressed, "As the president stated, industrial cooperation with the United States will be further strengthened through this negotiation."
Individual members of the Democratic Party also evaluated it as a result of the practical diplomacy emphasized by President Lee Jae-myung. Representative Hwang Myung-seon emphasized, "The Lee Jae-myung government has concluded the U.S. tariff negotiations. We captured two hares, national interests and alliance. It is a victory of practical diplomacy that has protected national interests." Representative Lee Hae-sik stated, "The principles of President Lee Jae-myung's 'national interests-centered practical diplomacy' and 'speedy, communication, results' stood out in this outcome."
Representative Yoon Joon-byeong of the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans, and Fisheries Committee stated, "Trump said, 'The U.S. has decided to conclude a trade agreement with Korea. A summit with President Lee Jae-myung will take place at the White House in two weeks,'" while emphasizing, "There will be no additional opening of the rice and beef markets!"
Rep. Park Beom-kyu of the same party also remarked, "The auto industry has a $350 billion investment fund, of which $150 billion is for shipbuilding," adding, "We are at least on equal or superior terms compared to major countries."
President Trump announced that day on social media platform Truth Social, "I am pleased to announce that we have agreed to a complete and comprehensive trade agreement with Korea," and stated, "Korea has decided to invest $350 billion (approximately 487.3 trillion won) in the United States. Korea agreed to purchase LNG and other energy-related products worth $100 billion and to invest large sums for additional investment purposes."
He added, "The specific scale of investment is expected to be announced when President Lee Jae-myung visits the White House for a summit in the next two weeks," while emphasizing that "Korea will fully open trade by accepting U.S. products, including automobiles, trucks, and agricultural products."