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PPP's
Kim pledges to hold summit with Trump in June if elected
SARAH CHEA, Korea
JoongAng Daily - Presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party
(PPP) pledged to hold a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in June to
swiftly resolve the tariff tussle as soon as he is elected, setting himself
apart from Democratic Party (DP) contender Lee Jae-myung, who emphasized a
deliberate approach.
Kim also signaled a
willingness to increase defense cost sharing for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), a
move Lee criticized as overly conciliatory toward Washington and neglectful of
national interests.
“The United States is
more than just a trade partner for Korea, but a trustworthy ally across all
sectors from national security, economy and scientific and technological
fields,” Kim said during a luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce
in Korea (AMCHAM) Monday in central Seoul, inviting over 200 senior leaders
from the global business community.
Reflecting on his past
as a student activist critical of the United States, Kim underscored the vital
role U.S. support has played in sustaining Korea’s peace and development.
“I do agree with us
paying more of the defense cost sharing, but the greater concern is what if the
United States cuts USFK personnel stationed on the peninsula,” Kim added.
“Considering our geographical risks surrounding China, Russia and nuclear-armed
North Korea, today’s South Korea would not exist without the United States; how
could we have maintained peace — could we have achieved this level of
prosperity?”
On AMCHAM Chairman
James Kim’s request for improved conditions for U.S. companies running
businesses in Korea, candidate Kim also vowed to eliminate regulatory barriers
hindering foreign investment while also committing to corporate tax reductions.
“I will establish a
dedicated body to regularly review regulations, enabling U.S. companies to
invest more confidently and substantially in Korea, while ensuring that
emerging industries are not stifled by outdated rules,” Kim said, labeling laws
such as the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Yellow Envelope Act as
“harmful legislation.”
“A new complex
exclusively for foreign companies will be established, where facilities can be
leased free of charge,” the PPP candidate said. “We have vast government-owned
land near Seoul that can be utilized for this purpose.”
From tariff talks,
defense and corporate market conditions, DP’s Lee has taken a sharply
contrasting stance.
“There is no need for
us to rush in and be the first to strike a deal,” Lee said in the first
televised debate for the June 3 presidential election on Sunday, adding, “Japan
initially adopted a proactive stance on negotiations but has since shifted
course, and China, too, moved from a confrontational position to a considerable
compromise.”
Lee pushed back against
Kim’s prioritization of early talks with Trump, adding that “the government
hasn’t even been formed yet — why the rush?”
The DP’s candidate also
criticized then-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s interview with CNN about his
intention to renegotiate the defense cost-sharing agreement, calling it a
“giveaway” catering solely to Trump’s interests.
“The government's
fundamental policy is to separate trade from security," he said. "Is
[Han’s move] truly desirable?”
