Part 5/11:
South Korea stands out as the most promising of these negotiations. Struggling with declining birth rates and an aging population, Seoul understands that maintaining strong U.S. relations is vital for its survival. A recent agreement promises South Korea over $150 billion in investments into the U.S.—a significant move, especially considering the economic size of South Korea (under 50 million people). This deal also includes a reduction in tariffs, which marks a notable milestone in U.S.-Korea trade relations. However, some of the figures involved are large relative to Korea’s economy, casting doubt on the full implementation.