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The Oct. 29 summit between Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump marked more than a diplomatic reunion — it was a turning point redefining the Korea-U.S. alliance from a transactional partnership into a framework of strategic convergence. Beneath the headlines about tariffs and investment packages lies a recalibration of mutual expectations: Korea seeks economic stability and technological parity, while the United States looks for industrial resilience and defence burden-sharing. Both sides left the meeting with tangible gains and unresolved risks. After months of tense negotiations, Seoul and Washington finalized the details of a sweeping tariff and investment accord. Tariffs on automobiles and auto parts will fall from 25 percent to 15 percent, while blanket tariffs will remain at similar levels — a symbolic but concrete gesture. Tariffs will be “adjusted to ensure no disadvantage compared with Taiwan,” assuaging Seoul’s anxiety over losing its competitive edge in the global chip race. Beyond tariffs, the deal carries geopolitical weight. Certain goods, such as pharmace