Seoul’s deal with Trump now hinges on two powers in Washington

What happened: South Korea's 2025 agreement with President Donald Trump faces added complications after a Democratic US midterm landslide, with Seoul now dealing with both the Trump White House and an incoming Democratic-controlled Congress. Key numbers: The deal includes $350 billion in South Korean investment; the Democratic-controlled Congress takes office January 3 next year; Why it matters: Observers at a Seoul roundtable said investment delays have already held up security talks, and Democratic emphasis on nuclear nonproliferation could delay nuclear cooperation and submarine work.

South Korea's 2025 agreement with President Donald Trump faces added complications after a Democratic US midterm landslide, with Seoul now dealing with both the Trump White House and an incoming Democratic-controlled Congress.

Observers at a Seoul roundtable said investment delays have already held up security talks, and Democratic emphasis on nuclear nonproliferation could delay nuclear cooperation and submarine work.