South Korea’s Acting President Responds to U.S. Tariff Pressure

Level: Advanced | Date: April 26, 2025

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Leadership in a Time of Trade Strain

South Korea’s acting president, Han Jin-soo, is facing a tough challenge: growing U.S. tariffs on Korean exports. After the sudden resignation of former President Park due to a health crisis, Han stepped in during a critical time. Now, South Korea’s trade relationship with the U.S. is under heavy strain.

New Tariffs on Key Industries

The U.S. recently imposed new tariffs on Korean electric vehicles and steel products, citing “national security concerns” and “unfair subsidies.” South Korean companies, already dealing with global supply chain issues, fear that these tariffs will hurt their ability to compete in the American market.

Urgent Diplomatic Efforts

In a press conference, Acting President Han said he would prioritize “urgent negotiations” with Washington. He emphasized that cooperation between the two countries has long benefited both sides and that South Korea remains committed to finding a fair solution.

Domestic Pressures and Election Impacts

At home, Han faces rising pressure from business leaders and the public, who worry about job losses and a slowdown in economic growth. Many experts believe the situation could affect South Korea’s upcoming election if not handled carefully.

High Stakes for Han’s Leadership

Some analysts think that resolving these tariff issues could strengthen Han’s image as a capable leader—but failure could cost him public support at a critical moment.

This article was inspired by Bloomberg.

Key Vocabulary

• Tariff (n.): A tax on goods coming into a country.
  • New tariffs are making Korean products more expensive in the U.S.
• Export (n.): Goods sent to another country for sale.
  • Korean exports like electric vehicles are being taxed.
• Negotiation (n.): A discussion to reach an agreement.
  • Urgent negotiations are planned between South Korea and the U.S.
• Subsidy (n.): Money given by a government to help a business.
  • The U.S. claims Korea’s subsidies are unfair.
• Supply chain (n.): The system that moves goods from maker to buyer.
  • Supply chain problems are making exports harder.
• Public support (n.): Approval and trust from ordinary citizens.
  • Public support could shift during the election.
• Economic growth (n.): Increase in a country’s production and income.
  • Tariffs could slow economic growth.
• Pressure (n.): Stress or urgency to act.
  • The acting president is under pressure to fix the problem.
• Acting president (n.): A temporary leader.
  • Han Jin-soo is South Korea’s acting president.
• Strain (n.): Tension or stress between parties.
  • Tariffs have caused strain between the two countries.

Comprehension Questions

Article Questions

1. Why did South Korea get an acting president?
2. What products did the U.S. place tariffs on?
3. How are South Korean companies reacting to the tariffs?
4. What is Acting President Han planning to do?
5. How could this issue affect the upcoming election?

Topic Discussion Questions

1. How do tariffs affect international trade?
2. What are the risks of trade tensions for small businesses?
3. Why is public support important for a new leader?
4. How do governments usually resolve trade disputes?
5. What industries are most sensitive to tariffs?

Useful Phrase

• “Under pressure” — Facing difficult demands.
  • The acting president is under pressure to solve the trade dispute.

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