South Korea Plans $600B US Investment Including $200B for Energy, AI Projects

In October 2025, South Korea and the United States, led by President Donald Trump and President Lee Jae-myung, finalized a historic agreement involving South Korea's commitment to invest $600 billion in the U.S., including $200 billion in cash investments capped annually at $20 billion. This deal, part of a strategic partnership, includes significant purchases of American oil and natural gas, tariff reductions from 25% to 15% on automobile items, and joint projects in the naval sector with $150 billion allocated. The investments will focus on key U.S. sectors such as the Alaska natural gas pipeline, energy infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, aiming to bolster industrial innovation and economic ties between the two countries. While the agreement eases uncertainties and trade tensions, further ratification by South Korea's National Assembly is required, and experts highlight that detailed negotiations on the memorandum of understanding are still underway. This commitment represents one of the largest foreign direct investments by an Asian country into the U.S., reflecting a deepening strategic and economic alliance.