Seoul: The prime minister is set to hold talks with key ruling Democratic Party (DP) lawmakers and the presidential chief of staff later Sunday to discuss a special bill on implementing South Korea's investment pledges to the United States and other pending issues, officials said. The meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. at the prime minister's residence, follows an agreement among rival political parties last week to establish a special committee to handle the investment bill amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff hike threats.

According to Yonhap News Agency, participants in the meeting will include Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, President Lee Jae Myung's chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, the ruling party's chief Rep. Jung Chung-rae, and presidential secretary for political affairs Hong Ik-pyo. They plan to discuss the results of a recent trip to the U.S. by key trade officials regarding Trump's tariff policy and the Democratic Party's strategy to pass the special investment bill.

Last month, Trump threatened to raise "reciprocal" tariffs and duties on auto, lumber, and pharmaceutical products from South Korea to 25 percent from 15 percent. This move was in response to delays in passing a special investment bill that would facilitate the implementation of a trade deal between the two nations. Under this agreement, South Korea has committed to investing US$350 billion in the U.S., with the U.S. reciprocating by lowering tariffs on South Korean goods to 15 percent from 25 percent.

The Sunday meeting is also likely to address the government and the DP's proposal to ease restrictions on dawn delivery for the country's large discount store chains. Earlier this month, the DP introduced a bill to allow big-box store chains to operate online businesses 24 hours a day, enabling overnight delivery services. This legislative effort aims to create "win-win" solutions for both offline stores and online shopping platforms. However, labor groups have opposed the bill, citing concerns over increased nighttime work hours.