South Korea, U.S. advance investment pact, defense cooperation and critical minerals ties

South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok traveled to the United States and met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the White House on the afternoon of the 12th local time, their first talks in about 50 days, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Kim noted that the National Assembly had passed the Special Act on Investments in the United States in its plenary session, saying the law demonstrates Seoul’s strong commitment to implementing the investment agreement with the United States.

Vance welcomed the establishment of the legal conditions needed to implement the investment agreement and said the two sides should stay in close contact on investment issues.

Kim said the legislation will enable faster implementation of the Korea-U.S. joint explanatory materials and urged swift progress on security-related items, including nuclear-powered submarines, nuclear power, and shipbuilding.

He also highlighted cooperation in the critical minerals sector and mentioned the government’s forward-looking decision regarding a U.S. company’s export-control request.

Vance expressed appreciation for the discussion and suggested continuing dialogue on non-tariff barriers to maintain smoother cooperation across the bilateral agenda.

Kim also updated Vance on matters the U.S. side had raised in January, including Coupang and religious issues, saying these have been managed stably.

Vance reaffirmed his respect for Korea’s domestic laws and institutions and thanked Seoul for its willingness to engage on U.S. concerns and to maintain ongoing communication.

The two leaders also discussed the Korean Peninsula, reaffirming that dialogue with North Korea remains open and agreeing to keep close coordination. The Prime Minister’s Office said the meeting deepened the personal bond and trust between Kim and Vance since their January encounter and is expected to strengthen bilateral communication on a broad range of issues.

For U.S. readers, the talks signal deeper U.S.-Korea cooperation on investment, defense-related projects, and critical-mineral supply chains, with possible implications for regional security, technology, and the resilience of American supply chains in Asia.