South Korea national security advisor travels to Washington ahead of tariff deadline

Wi proposes an early summit between the leaders of the two countries, according to media reports

Employees work at Pyeongtaek port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Jul 8, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

South Korea's national security advisor has headed to Washington, authorities said on Sunday, with less than two weeks to go until US President Donald Trump's Aug 1 deadline to secure a trade deal or face steep tariffs.

Wi Sung-lac's trip comes just two weeks after his last visit to Washington for talks on tariffs and security. After Trump's announcement, South Korea said it planned to intensify trade talks.

There were no immediate details on who he was planning to meet. Presidential aide Woo Sang-ho told journalists Wi would engage in negotiations on various issues, without elaborating.

Earlier this month, Trump said he planned to impose a 25 percent tariff on South Korea from Aug 1, posing the first major test for South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung since he came to office barely a month ago.

On his last trip to Washington, Wi said he had met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and proposed including security and investments in trade negotiations.

Wi also proposed an early summit between the leaders of the two countries, according to media reports.