South Korea, facing 25% tariffs, is rushing to reach a trade deal with Washington, with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac visiting the U.S. recently for high-level talks and Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo also in the U.S. for negotiations, as pressure grows on officials to clinch a deal that is no worse than Japan's that cut tariffs to 15%.

Automakers like Hyundai and Kia are facing a significant impact if South Korea doesn’t secure a trade deal with the U.S. by August 1.

Trade negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. have been delayed due to a scheduling conflict with the U.S. Treasury Secretary. As South Korea exhaustively attempts to create concessions to avoid significant tariffs,