President Donald Trump speaks at the White House on the 25th (local time) after signing an executive order related to an agreement with China's video platform TikTok. Yonhap News. 

President Donald Trump reaffirmed on the 25th (local time) that South Korea's investment in the United States amounts to $350 billion (approximately 490 trillion won) under the South Korea-U.S. trade agreement, stating, "That's up front."

Speaking at the White House after signing an executive order related to an agreement with China's video platform TikTok, President Trump said, "We've never been treated properly by other countries, but we're doing well now. We've never done this well," he stated.

He continued, "Thanks to tariffs and trade agreements, we've secured $950 billion in one case, an amount we never paid before," adding, "As you know, we receive $550 billion from Japan and $350 billion from Korea. This is up front."

The $950 billion figure appears to refer to the European Union (EU).

President Trump's remarks on this day came at a time when the two countries' positions are at a standstill regarding the $350 billion in investments in the U.S., which is a key point of contention in the South Korea-U.S. trade agreement.

Specifically, referring to the $350 billion as "up front" appears to emphasize that it is a prerequisite for tariff reductions on South Korea.

Previously, in trade negotiations concluded on July 30, South Korea and the U.S. agreed that the U.S. would lower its reciprocal tariffs and auto tariffs on South Korea from 25% to 15%, in exchange for South Korea making investments in the U.S. totaling $350 billion.

However, the two sides have failed to narrow their differences on how the investment package in the U.S. will be structured and implemented.

South Korea aims to minimize equity investments and primarily use guarantees, while the U.S. is demanding a "Japanese-style" agreement where investments are made through equity stakes, allowing the U.S. to decide on investment targets and receive 90% of the investment profits.

Amidst this, the South Korean government is requesting the establishment of a currency swap agreement with the U.S., given that if South Korea provides $350 billion in investment funds to the U.S. as requested, South Korea would face significant foreign exchange risks.

Yonhap News