In ongoing trade negotiations between Korea and the United States, the so-called "July Package" has placed Korea-U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding at the forefront. However, experts warn that Korea's shipbuilders face significant hurdles.

During a meeting on Thursday between Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, the officials agreed to "further productive discussions, including on currency policy," the Treasury said in a separate statement.

South Korea's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun said on Saturday that Seoul plans to approach trade talks with the United States "calmly and cautiously."