Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Kim and Vance discuss trade, security, and North Korea
The Prime Minister of South Korea, Kim Min-seok, met with the U.S. Vice President, JD Vance, in Washington.
They talked about making a big trade and security deal work better, which their countries' presidents agreed on last November.
They also discussed how the U.S. could improve ties with North Korea, with Kim suggesting that U.S. President Donald Trump send a special envoy to Pyongyang.
Additionally, they talked about a dispute involving the e-commerce company Coupang, which had a big data leak.
Some U.S. lawmakers think South Korea is being too harsh on Coupang.
Vance hopes both countries can work together to resolve the issue without any misunderstandings or escalation.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington to discuss the implementation of a trade and security agreement.
They also talked about improving U.S. ties with North Korea, with Kim suggesting Trump send a special envoy to Pyongyang.
The meeting addressed the Coupang dispute, where some U.S. lawmakers believe South Korea is unfairly targeting the company.
Coupang disclosed a data leak affecting over 33 million customers, leading to investigations and lawsuits in South Korea.
Vance expressed hope that the Coupang issue could be resolved to avoid misunderstanding and escalation.
- Who
- South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and U.S. Vice President JD Vance
- What
- Discussed implementation of a trade and security agreement, North Korea ties, and the Coupang dispute
- When
- January 23-24
- Where
- Washington, United States
- Why
- To iron out the implementation of a wide-reaching trade and security agreement and address other bilateral issues
South Korea
United States
Coupang Dispute
South Korea
The South Korean government is investigating Coupang due to a mass data leak, which some U.S. lawmakers and investors view as unfair targeting.
United States
Some U.S. lawmakers and investors believe the South Korean government is unfairly targeting Coupang, which operates significantly in South Korea.
- Participants
- South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, U.S. Vice President JD Vance
- Location
- Washington, United States
- Purpose
- Discuss implementation of trade and security agreement, North Korea ties, and Coupang dispute
- Agreement Date
- November (previous month)
- News Source
- Yonhap news agency, Reuters
- Coupang Data Leak
- Over 33 million customers' data compromised
- North Korea Proposal
- Kim suggested Trump consider sending a special envoy to Pyongyang
Sources
South Korea Prime Minister Kim holds talks with US VP Vance in Washington, Yonhap says
Trump says US VP headed to Azerbaijan, Armenia next month
South Korea PM, Vance discuss Coupang dispute and North Korea envoy, media report