In a display of high-level informal diplomacy, a delegation of prominent South Korean business executives joined U.S. President Donald Trump for a round of golf at his private Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Saturday, October 18. The gathering, reported by Yonhap News Agency and corroborated by multiple South Korean media outlets, comes at a pivotal juncture in bilateral trade discussions between the two nations, with unresolved tariff issues hanging in the balance. The event underscores the blend of personal rapport and economic strategy that has characterized U.S.-South Korea relations under the Trump administration.
The South Korean contingent included some of the country's most influential conglomerate leaders: Lee Jae-yong, the de facto head of Samsung Electronics; Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group; Euisun Chung, executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group; and Kim Dong-kwan, vice chairman of Hanwha Group. These individuals represent the backbone of South Korea's export-driven economy, with their companies spanning semiconductors, automobiles, chemicals, consumer electronics, and defense industries. Their collective presence at Mar-a-Lago highlights the stakes involved, as South Korean firms have significant investments and supply chains intertwined with the U.S. market.
According to reports, the golf outing was orchestrated by Masayoshi Son, the founder and CEO of Japan's SoftBank Group, known for his vast investment portfolio and close ties to global leaders, including Trump. Son's involvement adds an international dimension, as sources indicate the meeting may have included executives from Japan and Taiwan as well, broadening the discussion to regional economic dynamics in Asia. While details on the exact composition of the golf groups remain unclear—it's not specified who played directly with Trump—a company official speaking to Yonhap described the atmosphere as congenial. "The leaders enjoyed the game with President Trump and discussed various topics," the official noted, suggesting conversations likely touched on trade barriers, investment opportunities, and geopolitical tensions.
The White House has not officially confirmed the meeting, maintaining a low profile on what appears to be a private engagement. However, the timing is telling. This informal summit unfolded parallel to formal trade negotiations in Washington, D.C., where South Korean officials are pushing for a breakthrough on a tariff agreement linked to Seoul's ambitious $350 billion investment plan in the United States. This investment, announced earlier in the year, aims to bolster U.S. manufacturing in key sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy, aligning with Trump's "America First" economic policies that emphasize domestic job creation and supply chain resilience.
Trade talks between the U.S. and South Korea have intensified since Trump's return to the presidency in January 2025, following his victory in the 2024 election. The negotiations build on the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), originally signed in 2007 and renegotiated during Trump's first term in 2018. Current discussions focus on tariffs imposed by the U.S. on South Korean imports, particularly in the automotive and steel sectors, which Trump has cited as necessary to address trade imbalances. South Korea, in turn, has highlighted its contributions to the U.S. economy, including major investments by companies like Samsung, which plans to expand its semiconductor facilities in Texas, and Hyundai, which is ramping up EV production in Georgia.
Recent updates from Seoul indicate optimism about reaching a deal soon. South Korea's chief presidential policy adviser expressed confidence in the talks, stating that differences could be resolved in the coming weeks. A top South Korean official involved in the negotiations remarked that the U.S. appears to be softening its stance on certain tariff hikes, potentially paving the way for an agreement by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. U.S. Treasury officials have echoed this sentiment, noting that the two sides are "close" to finalizing terms despite lingering disagreements over investment safeguards.
The $350 billion investment pledge from South Korea is a cornerstone of these talks. Spanning five years, it includes commitments from the very conglomerates present at Mar-a-Lago. For instance, Samsung has earmarked billions for advanced chip manufacturing in the U.S., addressing global shortages exacerbated by geopolitical tensions with China. SK Group is focusing on battery production for EVs, while Hyundai aims to localize more of its vehicle assembly. LG and Hanwha are investing in energy storage and defense technologies, respectively. These initiatives not only create jobs but also strengthen bilateral ties amid broader U.S. efforts to decouple from Chinese supply chains.
This golf diplomacy is not unprecedented in U.S.-South Korea relations. Trump has long favored golf as a venue for deal-making, having hosted similar outings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his first term. For South Korea, such engagements harken back to the "golf diplomacy" of past leaders, though this marks the first collective meeting of this scale between Korean chaebol heads and a U.S. president. The seven-hour event, as detailed in reports, allowed for extended discussions beyond the greens, potentially influencing the trajectory of the trade talks.
Looking ahead, President Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea ahead of the APEC summit, set for October 31 to November 1 in the historic city of Gyeongju, located in the southeastern province of Gyeongsangbuk-do. The summit, themed "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper," will bring together leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific economies to discuss trade, sustainability, and digital innovation. Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient Silla Kingdom ruins, provides a culturally rich backdrop for these high-stakes gatherings.
During Trump's visit, he is expected to hold bilateral summit talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Lee, who assumed office in June 2025 following an early presidential election triggered by political turmoil, represents the Democratic Party and brings a populist approach to governance. His administration has prioritized economic recovery, social welfare, and strengthening alliances amid North Korean threats and global uncertainties. South Korea's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, confirmed the planned talks last Thursday, emphasizing the opportunity to solidify the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Wi, a seasoned diplomat with experience as ambassador to Russia and in nuclear negotiations, highlighted the summit's role in addressing regional security, including denuclearization efforts on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. and South Korea have maintained a robust military alliance since the Korean War, with approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in the South. Trade and security are inextricably linked, as economic stability underpins defense cooperation.
Broader context reveals the complexities of these negotiations. The U.S. has imposed tariffs on various imports since early 2025, citing national security and fair trade concerns. South Korea, as the U.S.'s seventh-largest trading partner, exported $118 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2024, with a trade surplus that has drawn scrutiny. In response, Seoul has sought exemptions or reductions, leveraging its investments as bargaining chips. A July 2025 announcement outlined a preliminary deal framework, but details on tariff rates remain contentious.
Experts view the Mar-a-Lago meeting as a positive signal. "Informal settings like golf can break deadlocks in formal talks," said a Seoul-based analyst. With the APEC summit approaching, both sides are motivated to announce progress, potentially including tariff relief tied to verified investments.
The U.S.-South Korea partnership extends beyond economics. In the face of China's assertiveness and North Korea's missile tests, the alliance serves as a bulwark for regional stability. Trump's visit could also address joint military exercises, technology sharing, and climate initiatives, aligning with APEC's sustainability focus.
As negotiations continue, the golf outing at Mar-a-Lago may prove a turning point, blending leisure with leverage in the pursuit of mutual prosperity. With billions at stake and global eyes on Gyeongju, the coming weeks will test the resilience of this enduring alliance.
