South Korea's acting president on U.S. tariff measures: ”Deepening the ROK-U.S. alliance is the wisest solution”

On the 9th, South Korean Acting Presidential Prime Minister Han Deok-soo wrote on his Facebook page in response to the US's reciprocal tariffs, "Some countries may choose to take a strong stance with retaliatory tariffs.
"However, a more sensible solution would be to further develop the ROK-US alliance as both a security and economic alliance."
Referring to game theory, Acting President Han said, "Individual actors are selfish.
"If we make repeated, risky choices, even if we appear to gain something temporarily, in the end everyone will often lose," he said. "The best way to solve problems is to calmly discuss the issue with the other party and find a solution.
"We must continue to persistently seek ways to secure mutual benefits," he said. "Some say that global free trade has come to an end, but I don't think so," he added.
Touching upon the possibility that he might be questioned about the basis for his optimistic view, he countered, "Without the 'power of optimism,' what problems can be solved?"
The day before, Acting President Han had a CNN interview and a phone call with President Trump at the same time, and he was eating kimbap (Korean-style seaweed rolls) with a senior official in his office.
"Fortunately, the other country responded well to the interview and the phone call between the leaders," he said. As for future negotiations, he said, "A long and difficult road awaits."
He expressed his recognition and stated his determination to "give it my all." Meanwhile, Acting President Han gave an interview to CNN at 4 p.m. the previous day, and at 9 p.m. on the same day, he held a 30-minute meeting with U.S. President Trump.
We held a minute-long telephone conversation.