On July 3, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that tariff negotiations with the United States were”very difficult,” and that it was uncertain whether negotiations could be completed by July 8. The unilaterally imposed July 9 deadline set by the United States for these multilateral negotiations is fast approaching. President Lee mentioned that neither side was entirely sure of what it”wanted.” He also stated that he would make every effort to reach an agreement with the United States by July 8 and strive for a pragmatic and mutually beneficial outcome in the negotiations that prioritizes South Korea’s national interests.