US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held a significant meeting during the final leg of Trump’s whirlwind tour across Asia. The discussions, which lasted nearly two hours, focused on resolving the ongoing trade deal impasse between the two nations. Despite previous agreements in July, where South Korea committed to investing $350 billion in the US to mitigate tariffs, negotiations have stalled over the structure of these investments. Historically strong allies, the US and South Korea have recently faced tensions following the detention of hundreds of South Koreans in a US immigration raid last month. Trump, who is on a week-long trip in Asia, is also scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Gyeongju. This will be their first face-to-face meeting since Trump assumed office in 2025 and imposed global tariffs. During his address to CEOs in Gyeongju, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a beneficial trade deal with China and praised Apec countries for their efforts in reforming the global trading system. Trump was honored with South Korea’s highest decoration, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, in recognition of his contributions to peace on the Korean Peninsula. Despite the high-profile meeting, no concrete agreements were announced, leaving South Korea’s electronics, chip, and auto industries in uncertainty. Earlier this year, Trump had imposed a 25% tariff on South Korea, which was later negotiated down to 15% after Seoul pledged significant investments in the US. However, the White House has since increased its demands, pushing for cash investments. The visit was marked by protests and rallies, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.