Reading Material: Trump's Stance on Korea Trade Talks

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Korean Reading Practice

Reading Material: Trump's Stance on Korea Trade Talks

Date: October 26, 2025

Introduction

This article discusses the ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and South Korea, particularly President Trump's statements about the readiness to finalize the deal at the APEC summit. It also mentions the U.S. demands for South Korea to invest $25 billion annually over 8 years.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
트럼프 Teureompeu Trump President Trump said he is ready to finalize the trade deal with South Korea.
우리 Uli We, our (referring to South Korea) If South Korea is ready, the trade deal can be finalized at the APEC summit.
협상을 Hyeopssangeul Negotiation, to negotiate President Trump said the negotiations are in the final stages.
미국의 Migugeui America's, of the United States The U.S. demands that South Korea invest $25 billion annually over 8 years.
한국이 Hangugi South Korea If South Korea is ready, the trade deal can be finalized at the APEC summit.

Reading Text

트럼프 대통령은 APEC 정상회담에서 한국과의 관세 협상이 마무리될 수 있다고 말했습니다. 그는 "거의 마무리 단계에 있는 것 같다"며 "나는 준비됐다"고 밝혔습니다.

President Trump said the tariff negotiations with South Korea could be finalized at the APEC summit. He stated that the negotiations are in the "final stages" and that he is "ready" for it.

백악관 당국자는 미국이 적절하다고 보는 조건을 한국이 수용해야 한다고 말했습니다. 이 조건은 8년 동안 매년 250억 달러를 현금 투자하라는 것입니다.

A White House official said that South Korea must accept the conditions that the U.S. considers appropriate. This condition is for South Korea to invest $25 billion in cash annually for 8 years.

한국 정부는 여전히 미국의 요구가 과도하다는 입장입니다. 양국은 협상을 계속 진행하고 있지만, 아직 최종 합의에 이르지 못했습니다.

The South Korean government still believes that the U.S. demands are excessive. The two countries are continuing the negotiations, but have not yet reached a final agreement.

트럼프 대통령은 한국과의 협상이 잘 진행되고 있다고 말했지만, 한국 정부는 이에 동의하지 않습니다. 양측은 서로 다른 입장을 견지하고 있는 상황입니다.

While President Trump said the negotiations with South Korea are progressing well, the South Korean government does not agree. The two sides are maintaining different positions on the matter.

이번 APEC 정상회담에서 양국 간 협상이 타결될지 주목되고 있습니다. 하지만 아직 양측의 입장 차이가 크기 때문에, 합의에 이르기까지는 더 많은 협상이 필요할 것으로 보입니다.

It remains to be seen whether the negotiations between the two countries will be finalized at the upcoming APEC summit. However, given the significant differences in their positions, more negotiations will likely be necessary before reaching an agreement.

미국은 한국에 더 많은 양보를 요구하고 있지만, 한국은 이를 수용하기 어려운 상황입니다. 양측의 입장 차이를 좁히기 위한 노력이 계속되고 있습니다.

The U.S. is demanding more concessions from South Korea, but South Korea finds it difficult to accept these demands. Efforts are ongoing to narrow the gap between the two sides' positions.

Grammar Points

-아/어/여야 하다 have to / must

Expresses obligation or necessity ('have to / must'). Formed by attaching -아/어야 하다 to the verb stem.

📖 백악관 당국자는 미국이 적절하다고 보는 조건을 한국이 수용해야 한다고 말했습니다. A White House official said that South Korea must accept the conditions that the United States considers appropriate.

✏️ 건강을 위해서 매일 운동을 해야 해요. You have to exercise every day for your health.

-기 때문에 because of

Expresses a reason or cause ('because of / since'). Formed by attaching -기 때문에 to a verb or adjective stem.

📖 하지만 아직 양측의 입장 차이가 크기 때문에, 합의에 이르기까지는 더 많은 협상이 필요할 것으로 보입니다. However, because the gap between the two sides' positions is still large, it appears that more negotiations will be needed to reach an agreement.

✏️ 오늘 비가 오기 때문에 우산을 가져가세요. Because it is raining today, please take an umbrella.

Cultural Notes

The ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea are part of a broader economic and strategic relationship between the two countries. The U.S. has been a key ally and trading partner for South Korea since the Korean War, and the two countries have a complex history of economic cooperation and tensions. The current trade dispute reflects the broader challenges in managing this important international relationship.

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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

What did President Trump say about the progress of the trade negotiations with South Korea?

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Q2

What are the specific conditions the U.S. is demanding from South Korea regarding the trade deal?

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Q3

How does the South Korean government view the U.S. demands?

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Q4

What is the current status of the negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea?

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Q5

What challenges are the two countries facing in reaching a final agreement on the trade deal?

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