A senior State Department official stated on Monday (the 25th) that during the bilateral summit between the U.S. and South Korea, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung "got punched in the face multiple times." This remark came just hours after the South Korean presidential office claimed that the summit had proceeded in a consistently friendly atmosphere.

When asked why President Donald Trump had gestured to support Lee during Monday's bilateral meeting, the high-ranking official replied, "Work is going great," adding, "I think you’re underestimating the power and the impact of what happened today."

The official continued, "Lee thought he was pulling a fast one and got punched in the face multiple times," and added, "Know when to take a win."

The expression about being "punched in the face" is derived from Mike Tyson’s famous quote, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth," and describes a moment of being disoriented, confused, or facing unexpected difficulties.

This response is notable as it reinforces the interpretation that President Trump’s actions were intended to deliver a strong warning rather than to recognize or accept the Lee Jae-myung administration.

In fact, during his opening remarks at the meeting with President Lee, President Trump mentioned the shipbuilding industry, expressing his vision for South Korea to use its funds and technology to "hire Americans and produce directly on American soil." The South Korean side offered no reaction to this statement.

Trump also mentioned that South Korea's special counsel had raided churches and U.S. military bases, commented on the ownership of the Pyeongtaek U.S. military base land, and compared the special counsel to the "crazy" former special counsel Jack Smith; the South Korean side remained silent and was busy merely attempting to explain the situation.

President Trump did not see President Lee off as he left the White House, a stark contrast to his greeting upon Lee's arrival.

While the South Korean government stated that the atmosphere was positive, gifts were exchanged, and there was much mutual praise, President Trump drew attention by posting on Truth Social on the night of the 25th, seemingly targeting South Korea's "Online Platform Act."

In the post, Trump stated, "As President of the United States, I will fight against countries that attack our amazing American tech companies," adding, "Digital taxes, Digital Services Acts, and digital market regulations are all designed to harm or discriminate against American technology. Furthermore, they ridiculously give a complete free pass to China's biggest tech firms."

Trump declared, "This must stop, and it must stop now!" adding, "Based on this truth, I warn any country that implements digital taxes, bills, rules, or regulations. If these discriminatory measures are not withdrawn, I, as President of the United States, will impose significant additional tariffs on that country’s U.S. exports and implement export restrictions on our highly protected technology and chips."

He added, "The U.S. and our amazing tech companies are no longer the world's 'piggy bank' or 'doormat.' If you don't show respect to the U.S. and our amazing tech companies, suffer the consequences!"

The Online Platform Act has been pursued since the previous Moon Jae-in administration but has failed to pass through the National Assembly. However, the controversy has reignited as President Lee Jae-myung made the introduction of this law a campaign pledge.

In the U.S., this law has been raised as a point of contention in tariff negotiations for some time, as the U.S. views the Online Platform Act as a "digital trade barrier."

In early July, the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative expressing concerns about the law and sent a separate letter to the Korea Fair Trade Commission, demanding they directly explain the impact on U.S. companies by August 7.

With a tariff agreement between the U.S. and South Korea yet to be signed, observers point out that President Trump raising this issue via Truth Social carries significant implications.

U.S. NNP = Representative Journalist Sung Ku Hong / Exclusive Special Correspondent info@newsandpost.com

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." A famous quote by 'Iron' Mike Tyson. / Captured from Korea-U.S. Daily image.