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President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday assessed the conclusion of South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, which lowered mutual tariffs to 15%, calling it "a significant outcome, though not entirely satisfactory." He acknowledged the pressure of negotiating with the world's leading power, saying, "I was deeply concerned in a very difficult environment, and it made me think we truly need to strengthen our national power." Lee added that the "24-hour updates" across time zones were so intense that "even my teeth became loose."

During a senior secretaries' meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Lee said, "This agreement has eased much of the uncertainty in our trade environment and will further solidify economic cooperation and the alliance between South Korea and the U.S."

He warned that despite clearing a "major hurdle," global trade realignment will continue, urging ministries to prepare long-term strategies, including boosting domestic demand and diversifying export markets. Lee stressed regulatory reforms to support global competition, saying, "Many unreasonable practices and systems hinder our companies' growth. In high-tech industries, we need a shift toward 'negative regulation' to spur innovation." He also instructed officials to accelerate financial and policy support to help firms withstand global challenges.

At a ministers' workshop at the Seoul Government Complex, Lee revealed why he refrained from taking a front-line role in the U.S. talks. "If I had spoken up, it might have negatively affected the negotiations," he said. "On the surface, I remained composed like a duck gliding on water, but underneath, I was paddling frantically. My close aides know how much we agonized over every move."

Lee admitted feeling the heavy weight of responsibility: "Sometimes I wonder if Korea stands at a crossroads of survival and decline, and I fear how my decisions could affect so many lives."

Presidential policy chief Kim Yong-bum said the agreement removed significant trade uncertainties, enabling Korean firms to compete on par with or above major rivals. However, he noted that Seoul had pushed for a 12.5% tariff rate but ultimately accepted 15%, reflecting President Donald Trump's insistence. "It's a regrettable point," Kim said.

This agreement marks a crucial step in easing trade tensions, though challenges remain as global trade dynamics continue to evolve.