South Korea, U.S. Avoid Confrontation, $500B Boeing Deal Announced

The President of South Korea expressed confidence that the first meeting with Donald Trump would not result in a repeat of the "Zelensky moment," a reference to the public confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this year. The President's remarks came as a response to Trump's pre-meeting social media posts, which hinted at potential contentious issues, including allegations of a "cleansing or revolution" in South Korea.

The meeting, which took place in Washington, was closely watched by officials and analysts who had anticipated a high-stakes interaction. Despite the initial tension, the meeting proceeded without the dramatic confrontations that had been feared. The President's office later clarified that the investigations mentioned by Trump were limited to areas under South Korean control within joint military bases and were related to domestic political issues.

The President, who had read Trump's book "The Art of the Deal," was prepared for the negotiation tactics that Trump is known for. He noted that Trump often starts with stringent conditions but ultimately reaches a reasonable conclusion. This understanding helped the President navigate the meeting with confidence, knowing that the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance would prevent any significant damage.

The conversation in the Oval Office was characterized by mutual respect and warmth, with Trump even discussing his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The President's appearance in the Oval Office was described as smoother than expected, with Trump expressing support for the President's handling of North Korea and showing a willingness to engage with Kim Jong-un.

However, while the meeting avoided a public confrontation, it did not resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries. Key points of contention, such as the cost-sharing for the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and the details of a hastily agreed trade deal, remained unresolved. Trump also raised the possibility of transferring ownership of certain military bases to the U.S., a move that would eliminate the need for leasing arrangements.

In the economic sphere, Trump indicated that he would be open to renegotiating the trade agreement reached in July, but this did not necessarily mean that South Korea would gain additional benefits. The President, on the other hand, expressed South Korea's willingness to participate in the U.S.-led manufacturing revival, particularly in the shipbuilding industry.

The meeting concluded with a significant announcement from Korean Air, which revealed plans to purchase 103 Boeing aircraft, valued at approximately 500 billion dollars. This deal marked the largest transaction in the history of Korean aviation.