In the meantime, tariff negotiations with Korea are a critical test for President Trump. Korea is not just a trading partner. It is a key ally closely connected with the United States in semiconductors, batteries, artificial intelligence, and defense industries. The cracks in Korea-U.S. economic cooperation soon lead to the weakening of the U.S. strategy in Asia. Furthermore, the Korean government has already proposed practical and flexible negotiations.

 

If President Trump accepts this proposal, it can gain both political justification and practical benefits. Conversely, rejecting it and pushing for unilateral tariffs could lead to a triple crisis of reigniting anti-American public opinion in Korea, falling trust in the alliance, and division of supporters in the United States.

 

President Trump will have four remaining years in office. However, stability in the first year is crucial for the proper use of those four years. Congress, the media, and internal opposition forces will sway him in unison if the discord with the alliance continues at the beginning of the state administration. It is time for pragmatic diplomacy and strategic choice.

 

Trump has always called himself a "negotiation genius." Now he has to prove it with actions. Not with a hardline stance, but with flexibility to save allies. Accepting South Korea's offer is not submission, but rather the most realistic and clever option to lead his final term to success.

 

If we don't join hands with Korea now, supporters will let go of Trump's hand first this time.