Seoul: The presidential national security office convened a meeting on Thursday to address trade and security concerns between South Korea and the United States, as confirmed by officials. The National Security Council (NSC) standing committee meeting was presided over by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, with participation from officials of the finance ministry, trade ministry, the anti-trust watchdog, and reportedly South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during the meeting, Wi emphasized the necessity for close coordination among government ministries in developing response strategies "based on a common understanding" to safeguard national interests amid increasing external uncertainties. He highlighted the importance of a unified government response to South Korea-U.S. relations, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship, which includes both trade and security dimensions.

While presidential officials refrained from disclosing further specifics, the meeting occurred amidst ongoing complaints from Washington related to an investigation into a significant data breach involving the South Korean affiliate of U.S.-listed e-commerce giant Coupang. Speaking to reporters earlier, Kang noted that the issues concerning Coupang had lasted longer than anticipated. She mentioned that both nations are independently striving to advance the implementation of agreements reached by President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump during their summit last year.