On September 10, Kim Jong-kwan, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, arrived in the United States.
According to Yonhap News, Kim stated at a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport near New York, "I have come to finalize the ongoing investment negotiations with the U.S.," adding, "My schedule is focused on wrapping up the negotiations during this process."
Regarding the negotiation atmosphere, he remarked, "Negotiations are neither easy nor difficult; I believe they are ongoing until the final signatures are made."
Kim is expected to remain in the U.S. until September 12, meeting with U.S. officials, including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to continue discussions on investment matters.
On the same day, The Wall Street Journal reported that the South Korean government is nearing an agreement to invest over $100 billion (approximately 134 trillion won) in energy projects, including eight nuclear power plants and natural gas initiatives, as the first phase of its investment in the U.S.
Citing multiple sources, the WSJ noted that both South Korea and the U.S. are in the final stages of reaching an agreement on this plan, which could be announced next week.
In response to these developments, Kim stated, "I cannot confirm specific details yet, but I will provide information once the final results are available."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.