The Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, in collaboration with the Korean Council on Foreign Relations, co-hosted a conference on May 9, 2025, under the theme “Trump 2.0 Trade Policy,” to assess the implications of evolving U.S. trade policy and explore strategic policy responses for Korea. The conference was held at a critical juncture, marking the first 100 days of the second Trump administration and preceding Korea’s 21st presidential election.

Bringing together leading experts in trade and economic diplomacy, the event provided policy relevant insights and strategic recommendations for the incoming Korean government. All participants were former Korean diplomats, offering practical and experience-based perspectives drawn from their extensive engagement in international trade negotiations and policymaking.

Participants included Lee Taeho (Senior Advisor, Lee & Ko), Lee Jaemin (Professor, Seoul National University), Yang Seojin (Vice President, SK hynix), and Kim Dong Jo (Vice President, Hyundai Motor Group), who examined the potential trajectory of U.S. trade policy under the second Trump administration and its implications for Korea’s trade, industrial, and economic security strategies.