During his first visit to the White House, President Li Dzeung, Mjung, flattered to the host, praising the redesign of the oval office and the management of the United States, as well as asking him for help in “initiating a new era of peace on the Korean Peninsula”. He even suggested the possibility of Trump Tower in North Korea in the future.
The respectful approach to Trump was consistent with the model practiced by other leaders visiting him, who tried to tame the US President with compliments and symbolic gestures. This served the broader purpose of the newly elected President of Korea, who seeks to strengthen key trade relations and long -term partnership focused on security and defense.
Trump, in turn, said that he would consider further negotiations on trade and is open to talks with Kim Jong Un. “We'll do it,” Trump replied. “We are waiting for a meeting with him and we will improve relations,” he added.
Remembering his visit with Kim in 2019 in the demilitarized zone separating North Korea from the south, Trump left the opportunity to meet with the North Korean dictator this year, but noted that he has already planned intensive autumn, a visit to Great Britain next month and a possible trip to China.
According to the translator present in the room, he stated that the Korean Peninsula was “stable” during the first term of Trump, but he regretted that North Korea had expanded its nuclear arsenal after his departure from the position in January 2021, which prompted Trump to interfere and blame the former US president Joe Biden.
– They wouldn't do it [Koreańczycy z północy nie rozbudowaliby swojego arsenału nuklearnego]if I were the president – said Trump. “I completely agree with you,” Li answered service.
In his preliminary comments for journalists in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that the United States is considering the purchase of some ships built in Korea and that together with LI plan to discuss the purchase of additional safety equipment produced in the USA by Korea. On Tuesday, Li is to visit the Hanwha Philly Shipyard shipyard in Philadelphia.
– We are considering ordering several ships [od Korei Południowej]. They build them very well – said Trump. – We like what they do. We like their product. We like their ships – he added.
PAP / EPA / AL DRAGO / POOL / PAP
President of the United States Donald Trump (P) and President of South Korea Li Dzejung during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, August 25, 2025.
American soldiers in South Korea
Trump also noted that he wants to renegotiate a contract between the United States and South Korea, which regulates the status of 28 thousand. American soldiers stationed in this country. Trump mistakenly stated that there are 40,000 in South Korea. American soldiers.
A contract is negotiated between Biden administration and South Korea at the end of last year, which will enter into force in 2026. The twelfth special funds agreement regulates the way Korea subsidizes the distribution of the American armed forces in several bases on its territory. The contract provides that Seul will pay $ 1.1 billion. [4 mld zł] annually, starting from 2026, and this amount will increase each year with inflation. Trump repeated many times – recently in July – that South Korea should pay $ 10 billion. [36 mld 847 mln zł] Annually, for maintaining American forces on the peninsula, where the United States has infantry troops and an aviation base, as well as contracts for frequent docking of American war ships and atomic submarines.
“South Korea agreed to pay for it during my last term,” Trump said, referring to his request. He also added that the United States should not be forced to rent land in South Korea, and the government should transfer the areas to Washington where American forces are stationed.
“I'm sure it's a misunderstanding”
Before the meeting with President Li Trump, he wrote on Truth Social that in South Korea there was a “purge or revolution”, later explaining to journalists that he heard about the raid of churches in this country and the American military base, adding that the United States “will not tolerate it.”
It seems that he referred to summer raids on over 10 locations related to the Union Church, which is the subject of an investigation conducted by a special prosecutor in connection with the allegations of financial crimes and illegal political activities. A special prosecutor also investigates the former president of Yoon Sucze Yela and his wife, which arouses surprise among some Magic supporters who believe that the new president of South Korea is too close to China.
After the reporter asked about this matter in the oval office, Trump gave a chance to clarify. The Korean president said that a special prosecutor, appointed by the South Korean National Assembly, was investigating the allegations that Yoon had a coup, adding that he has no control over it.
Unlike meeting the President of South Africa, to whom Trump showed the film, presenting the burial of the murdered white farmers, according to him, the American president was in this case more willing to believe his word and let go. “I'm sure it's a misunderstanding,” Trump said.
Continuation of the material under the video
Trade contract
He also said that the United States and South Korea can rene to the details of the trade agreementhe announced in a pole on Truth Social at the end of July. It assumed a reduction in planned duties in exchange for investments of South Korea in the United States worth $ 450 billion. [1 bln 658 mld zł]. As part of the contract, Trump said in July that South Korea would spend $ 350 billion. [1 bln 289 mld zł] for “investments belonging to the United States and controlled by the United States, I chose as a president.”
The US president did not provide any further details regarding the course of renegotia, only stating that he has nothing against it, although “this does not mean that they will negotiate something.”
However, Trump boasted a joint undertaking, which he said, will be implemented with both South Korea and Japan, and will consist of exporting liquefied natural gas from Alaska. As part of the July announcement, Trump said that South Korea agreed to invest $ 100 billion. [368 mld zł] in American natural gas. – We will get along well because we really need each other – summed up Trump.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
