National Security Advisor Wi Sung-rak speaks at a meeting with the Editors Association on May 13. [Yonhap News]  

Wi Sung-rak, National Security Advisor to the Presidential Office, said on the 13th, "It is true that the Coupang issue is affecting security negotiations between South Korea and the U.S.," and added, "We are focusing on getting the stalled security negotiations back on track."

Wi mentioned this at a meeting with the Editors Association held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on the afternoon of the same day, explaining, "Even if it's not visible, we are making great efforts behind the scenes."

Previously, Wi had stated last month, "Coupang is a corporate issue, but it is true that this issue is affecting security consultations between South Korea and the U.S." He added, "We are discussing with the U.S. from the position that Coupang's issues should proceed according to legal procedures and security negotiations should advance on their own."

Wi also stated on this day that regarding the U.S.'s restrictive measures on intelligence sharing with North Korea, "There are no major issues in the overall exchange of information."

Wi acknowledged, "We cannot deny that there are some limitations in the exchange of information," but emphasized, "We are working to resolve them."

Regarding the view held by some that conflicts may have arisen between the Presidential Office's National Security Office and Policy Office during the security and tariff negotiations between South Korea and the U.S., he dismissed it, saying, "There are no conflicts."