President Trump threatens Seoul with higher costs over Alaska LNG — Korea Herald

US President Donald Trump said in Washington that South Korea could face higher costs if it does not soon agree to invest in the large-scale Alaska LNG liquefied natural gas project. Seoul, meanwhile, stresses that it has not yet made a final decision on participating in the project. This was reported by Korea Herald.

Trump's statement

Answering reporters' questions at the White House, Trump rejected claims that he had prematurely announced South Korea's participation in Alaska LNG. According to him, representatives of the country were present, and if Seoul does not want to join the project, the United States will charge it more.

When a reporter noted that South Korea had not agreed to participate in the project, Trump said that if an agreement is not signed quickly, he would double it. The president did not specify what exactly he meant: tariffs, South Korea's investment commitments, or other financial costs.

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Seoul's position and investments

Trump's remarks came two days after he announced a series of South Korean investments in US energy infrastructure as part of a broader $350 billion package. According to the source, this package was agreed as part of a trade deal between the countries last year.

Trump and US officials said that more than $50 billion is to be directed to Alaska LNG. They also reported eight large nuclear reactors and a gas energy complex in Texas worth $22.3 billion. US officials estimated Alaska LNG at about $54 billion.

Seoul said it has not yet decided either on investments in the Alaska project or on their possible amount. South Korea's participation depends on further negotiations, an assessment of commercial viability, and legal requirements.