On the 15th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok stated regarding the United States' tariff imposition response, "I think it would be better to proceed with negotiations to the maximum extent possible in the interest of national benefits, and to finalize the remaining parts once the new government is launched."
On that day, Deputy Prime Minister Choi, who attended the National Assembly's government questioning session, responded to a question from People's Power lawmaker Lee Jong-bae, who said, "Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo must expedite tariff negotiations with the United States."
Deputy Prime Minister Choi emphasized, "In the short term, the top priority is to postpone mutual tariff imposition with the United States through negotiations and to minimize uncertainties for our corporations engaged in economic activities not only in the United States but also in global markets." He added, "Although it is politically an acting system, we are working for the national interest, focusing solely on national benefits."
In response to the question, "Is there a possibility that Acting Prime Minister Han will visit the U.S. and negotiate directly with President Trump?" Deputy Prime Minister Choi explained, "There is no need to rule out that possibility, but for now, it is a priority to start with ministerial meetings and for officials to confirm each other's interests and set the framework for negotiations."
Regarding the supplementary budget proposal, Deputy Prime Minister Choi stated, "I will submit it no later than early next week," adding, "I hope it passes through the National Assembly by the end of April or the beginning of May."
The scale of this supplementary budget proposal is a total of 12 trillion won, and the government is urging swift processing in the National Assembly for recent economic responses and stability for people's livelihoods. Regarding the supplementary budget proposal, Deputy Prime Minister Choi explained, "It addresses current urgent issues and contains matters that can pass quickly in the National Assembly," and he continued, "What's urgent right now is speed," urging, "I ask that discussions begin promptly in the National Assembly."