South Korea and the United States have reached an agreement on key security issues, though negotiations on a parallel trade deal remain ongoing, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac confirmed on Sunday.

Speaking in a televised interview with KBS, Wi said the two allies have “most of the paperwork ready” for the security components, but the tariff discussions are still in progress. The talks aim to finalize Seoul’s USD 350 billion investment package in the US, agreed upon in July, in exchange for Washington reducing tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%.

The upcoming agreement is expected to include Seoul’s increased defense spending and potential adjustments to the role of US forces in Korea as part of efforts to “modernize the alliance.” Wi noted that South Korea used its defense commitments as leverage to push for a revision to the 2015 “123 Agreement,” which restricts Seoul’s ability to reprocess spent fuel and enrich uranium.

He added that the US has responded “positively” to Seoul’s request for greater flexibility in civilian nuclear energy use.

Wi also confirmed that President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, prioritizing stronger personal ties and cooperation for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Additionally, Lee is likely to hold his first meeting with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the upcoming APEC summit in Gyeongju.

Wi emphasized that the government seeks constructive engagement with both China and Japan while advancing Korea’s strategic and economic interests in the region.