"South Korea is concerned about Trump's 2nd 'test case'"

[Anchor]
Uncertainty in the Korea-U.S. relationship is growing with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration just over a month away.

There are concerns that South Korea could become a demonstration case of global pressure in the second period of Trump.

Reporter Kwon Young-hee reports.

[Reporter]
With President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment motion passed, uncertainty about who is responsible for South Korea's state affairs has disappeared.

However, Trump still hasn't said a word about the impeachment in South Korea.

In a situation where it is impossible to predict what policies will be implemented in Korea, the impeachment has made it difficult to contact Trump itself.

Trump enters the White House with thorough preparations, unlike in the first period when he was struggling.

I am well aware that unilaterally wielding a tariff blade must be accompanied by a credible threat.

There is a possibility that South Korea will try to set an example by dropping a tariff bomb using the chaotic state of Korea as a "test case."

Based on this, we can take a strategy that maximizes U.S. interests around the world.

There is already an analysis that numerous policies that will affect Korea will be announced in 100 hours, not 100 days in office.

[Victor Cha / Strategic and International Studies Institute Korea Chair: It may be related to the U.S. Forces Korea or related to tariffs or semiconductor laws. Numerous work-related policies can come out, but Korea has no one to respond to.]

Many predict that Trump's universal tariff pledge, coupled with the situation in South Korea, which has a record trade surplus with the U.S., is certain to impose tariffs of more than 10%.

The embassy in the U.S. held an emergency meeting shortly after the impeachment motion was passed and examined pending issues in each field in preparation for the launch of Trump's second term.

The longer Trump's interlocutor is not confirmed, the greater the amount of anxiety that hangs over Korea.

I'm YTN's Kwon Younghee.

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video: Lim Hyun-chul