South Korea, US edge closer to US$350 billion trade deal breakthrough

Top Seoul officials are visiting Washington amid signs of major progress in tough trade negotiations, although analysts warn that a coerced deal could severely damage South Korea’s economy. Kim Yong-bum, policy chief of the presidential staff, and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan left for Washington on Thursday to join Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo. The delegation plans to meet US counterparts to finalise details of South Korea’s US$350 billion investment...