The Korea-U.S. relationship has been put out urgently, but...Trump is still 'unresponsive'

Restoring Trust in the Korea-U.S. Alliance..."What's important is the next government"
Deputy Foreign Minister Can't Meet Trump's Personnel
Trump 'unresponsive' to martial law or impeachment-related South Korean situation
Contrast with Japan's push for summit even before taking office

[Anchor]
Korea and the United States decided to normalize their diplomatic and security schedules through foreign ministerial talks.

As the second Trump administration has not responded to the situation in Korea, concerns are growing that the so-called "Korea passing" may become a reality.

Reporter Hong Sun-ki reports.

[Reporter]
First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun, who visited the U.S. 20 days after the declaration of the emergency martial law, agreed to normalize the diplomatic and security schedule through talks between South Korea and the U.S. foreign ministers.

[Kurt Campbell / U.S. Deputy Secretary of State (Yesterday): I think it is important to schedule a meeting in the hope that an important consultative body in the Korea-U.S. relationship will be maintained.]

It is evaluated that the government has put out the urgent fire to restore trust in the United States, the best and most important ally that has cracked since the emergency martial law crisis, but it is pointed out that the next government is important.

There is less than a month left before the launch of the second Trump administration, but Vice Minister Kim did not even meet with Trump's personnel.

The South Korean government said it was communicating with Trump, but there was no high-level face-to-face contact.

[Kim Hong-kyun / First Vice Foreign Minister: There are no plans to meet with Trump's personnel yet. We have continued to communicate with Trump and have adequately explained all such domestic situations.]

President-elect Trump has not responded at all to South Korea's declaration of emergency martial law or impeachment of the president.

It is in contrast to Japan inviting former Prime Minister Abe's wife to her home and even leaving open the possibility of a summit before taking office.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President-elect (last 16th): I want to meet the Japanese prime minister. You're probably right. (Can it be done before the inauguration?) It is possible if Japan wants it. That's what I'm going to do.]

This is why there are growing concerns about so-called "Korea passing" that do not reflect South Korea's position at all in major issues such as North Korea's nuclear issue and tariffs.

The government says it is possible to meet with acting President Han Deok-soo if Trump wants to, but it is literally only possible if Trump wants to.

The plan is to push for foreign ministers' talks immediately after the inauguration of the Trump administration as soon as possible, but it is unclear whether even this will be able to achieve results.

This is YTN Hong Seon-gi.