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President Lee Jae-myung speaks during an interview with CNN at the Freedom Hall of the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on October 22. / Source: Presidential Office

President Lee Jae-myung said he believes South Korea and the United States will ultimately reach a “reasonable agreement” on ongoing tariff negotiations, expressing trust in Washington’s sense of rationality despite lingering tensions over U.S. demands for advance investments.

In an interview with CNN aired on October 23, Lee was asked whether a trade deal could be finalized during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. “It may take some time,” he replied, “but I believe in the rationality of the United States. Both sides will arrive at a reasonable outcome.”

When pressed about U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial demand that Seoul make a $350 billion advance investment—an amount Lee earlier warned could trigger a financial crisis—the South Korean president avoided a direct response.

“There are voices in the U.S. calling President Trump’s approach ‘mafia-style extortion,’” the interviewer noted, referring to Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on allies that refuse to pay.

Lee responded, “I believe we will eventually reach a fully understandable and reasonable result,” sidestepping criticism but reaffirming faith in the alliance. “We are allies, and we all share common sense and rationality,” he added.

Lee also addressed speculation about a potential meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the sidelines of the APEC summit. “If the two leaders happen to meet, it would be a very positive development,” he said.

“I believe President Trump genuinely seeks to achieve world peace,” Lee continued. “That’s why I asked him to play the role of a mediator for peace.”

When asked if he had a message for Kim Jong-un, Lee said, “Meeting and talking directly with the other side can be the first step toward solving many problems.”