Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, said, "We have asked the National Assembly for cooperation regarding the special act on investment in the United States," adding, "We will actively explain to the U.S. side our intention to implement the tariff agreement."
Deputy Prime Minister Koo said this in connection with U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks the previous day hinting at raising tariffs on Korean-made products, at the meeting of ministers on economic affairs combined with the meeting on people's livelihoods and the economy held on the 28th.
Previously, on the 26th (local time), President Trump wrote on his social media that he would raise tariffs on Korea back to 25%, prompting the government to respond quickly. However, on the 27th, just a day later, Trump said, "I will try to find a solution. I will seek a solution with Korea," suggesting the possibility of negotiations remained open.
Meanwhile, the meeting also discussed "2026 Lunar New Year people's livelihood safety measures" and the "plan to push follow-up actions for the 2026 economic growth strategy." Deputy Prime Minister Koo said, "We will mobilize all available means to stabilize grocery prices," adding, "We will ease the burden on vulnerable groups and small business owners and boost domestic demand, including tourism and consumption."
He also said, "We will ensure the tasks included in the economic growth strategy released in early January are carried out and produce visible results early," adding, "We will focus on pushing 55 tasks—more than 40% of the total 133—during the first quarter." The government will prepare a policy roadmap for the bio industry, the 2030 strategy for manufacturing artificial intelligence (AI), and a technology roadmap for next-generation Power Semiconductor, and will push major tax law amendments—such as the reentry into the domestic market account (RIA) and the Public Growth Fund—with the goal of passage in the extraordinary National Assembly session in February.
Deputy Prime Minister Koo also said, "Above all, technological innovation is key to a great leap forward for our economy," adding, "Now, amid an unprecedented semiconductor boom, is the golden time for innovation." He said, "The government will boldly remove regulations that hold back corporations and will ignite the innovation engine by mobilizing all capabilities," adding, "We also ask our corporations to take the lead in world No. 1 products, services, and technological innovation."