Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is set to hold a press conference on Monday to address various pressing issues.
All eyes will be on his responses to recent accomplishments from his U.S. visit, strategies for dealing with U.S. tariffs, and politically charged topics such as his potential run for the Democratic Party leadership this August.
The briefing, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (South Korean time) at the Prime Minister’s official residence, will last 75 minutes in an open format. This marks the second such briefing since his inaugural one last August.
During this open-ended session, Prime Minister Kim is likely to field a wide array of questions. These may range from evaluating his recent U.S. trip and addressing U.S. tariff concerns to the Coupang controversy and political matters, including his possible bid for the Democratic Party leadership and the prospect of merging with the Rebuilding Korea Party.
The initial focus is expected to be on assessing the outcomes of Kim’s recent U.S. visit and outlining strategies to mitigate future trade risks.
While Kim touted the establishment of a U.S.-Korea hotline as a diplomatic win following his visit, controversy quickly erupted when President Donald Trump raised the specter of increased tariffs on South Korea, casting a shadow over Kim’s diplomatic efforts.
The Coupang issue, which came up during Kim’s meetings with U.S. lawmakers, is also likely to be a hot topic.
Kim stressed that there was no discriminatory treatment towards Coupang, emphasizing that the South Korean government’s actions were not motivated by the company’s American origins. As concerns mount that the Coupang situation could escalate into a broader trade dispute between the U.S. and South Korea, questions about the administration’s strategic response are anticipated.
Kim’s political aspirations are also likely to come under scrutiny. He recently hinted at his interest in running for the Democratic Party leadership this August, leaving the door open for his candidacy.
The briefing is also expected to touch on the ongoing merger talks between the Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party. Kim has previously expressed support for the principle of unification between the two parties, while noting that the timing and approach have sparked debate.