Acting president vows to establish close communication with 2nd Trump administration

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, center, presides over the first roundtable on international economic affairs at the Government Complex in central Seoul, Monday. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, left, and Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination Bang Ki-sun sit next to Choi during the meeting. Yonhap By Anna J.

Park The government is committed to mobilizing all available resources to establish close communication with the second Donald Trump administration, ensuring that growing external risks do not hinder Korean businesses' activities or worsen hardships for the public, acting President Choi Sang-mok said Monday. "This year, the domestic and international uncertainties facing the Korean economy are projected to expand significantly while concerns exist both within and outside the country about potential gaps in responding to this severe situation," Choi said during the first roundtable on the international economic affairs held at the Government Complex in central Seoul. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination Bang Ki-sun, First Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Park Sung-taek and Minister for Trade Cheong In-kyo.



"The government plans to thoroughly review industry-specific issues that could impact the Korean economy ahead of the inauguration of the new U.S. administration," said Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister and finance minister.

He then said that the government will effectively leverage robust diplomacy and security as a stepping stone to help the Korean economy adapt to the new trade environment and restore stability in the people’s livelihoods, with ministries and the private sector working as a unified team. "Historically, there have been turning points that determined national power and wealth. The situation we are facing now is precisely such a moment," Choi said.

The roundtable meeting focused on assessing each Korean ministry's preparedness for the new U.S. administration and deliberating on future strategies.

Trump's second term is scheduled to begin on Jan. 20. The roundtable meeting, established under the acting president's directive, is designed to promptly identify and systematically address global economic challenges, including the new U.

S. administration. The meeting will convene every Monday, chaired by the acting president to develop measures for cooperation with the U.

S. in line with Trump's return to the White House..