National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac departed for Washington on July 6 to coordinate a potential summit between Korea and the U.S. and strengthen discussions on looming tariff negotiations. His visit marks a rare move by Seoul’s top foreign and security official to the U.S., prompted by the failure to arrange a summit on the sidelines of the recent G7 and NATO meetings.

Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Wi said, “There have been ongoing consultations between Korea and the U.S. on various trade and security issues. We are now entering a critical phase in these discussions, and I decided to visit the U.S. to increase my level of engagement.”

Wi is scheduled to stay in Washington through July 8 (local time). During his visit, he plans to meet with his counterpart, U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, to discuss the scheduling and agenda for a possible summit, as well as pressing trade issues, including tariffs.

When asked about specific areas of negotiation, Wi said, “There are several pending matters between Korea and the U.S., including tariff negotiations and security issues.” On the potential summit, he added, “That will be part of the discussions.” Rubio had initially considered visiting Korea on July 8 following his attendance at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Malaysia, but reportedly canceled due to developments in the Middle East.

Wi is expected to focus his talks with Rubio on finalizing the summit schedule. During the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16 and 17, both sides had agreed on the exact timing of a bilateral summit. However, the meeting was canceled when President Donald Trump returned to the U.S. a day earlier than planned. A subsequent opportunity at the NATO summit was also missed, as President Lee Jae-myung skipped the meeting alongside the prime ministers of Japan and Australia.

Tariff negotiations have also become a pressing issue. With the expiration of the U.S.-imposed reciprocal tariff suspension deadline approaching on July 8t the Korean government dispatched Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo to the U.S. the previous day, followed by Wi’s departure for Washington.

Wi is expected to propose options for a smooth resolution to the tariff dispute during his meetings with U.S. foreign and trade officials. The issue of Korea’s defense budget, currently being discussed at the working level, could also surface during the high-level talks. Seoul may express its willingness to link defense cost-sharing discussions with the ongoing trade negotiations to strengthen its bargaining position. Minister Yeo supported this strategy, telling reporters on the 5th, “The trade chief and national security director are dividing responsibilities and All-court pressing ‘Full-court press.’”

President Trump previously expressed his preference for a "one-stop shopping" approach, bundling various negotiation topics into a single platform. However, the Korean government has maintained its position of keeping economic and security negotiations on separate tracks.

Some observers also expect a broad exchange of views on the “modernization of the Korea–U.S. alliance” in the security domain. The U.S. has frequently raised this concept in connection with its strategy to counter China, including expanding the strategic flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea and increasing Korea’s defense budget and its contribution to hosting American troops. Professor Min Jeong-hoon of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy commented, “It’s unlikely that detailed figures on defense cost increases will be presented in the short term, but there may be efforts to establish a broad consensus on key issues.”