Core Viewpoint - The announcement of a 25% tariff on all South Korean goods by President Trump has triggered significant economic turmoil in South Korea, leading to a sharp decline in stock prices and market capitalization for major companies like Hyundai and Samsung [1]. Group 1: Economic Impact - The tariff is expected to result in an annual loss of $23 billion for South Korea, given that the U.S. accounts for 20% of its total exports [1][6]. - Samsung Electronics lost $12 billion in market value following the tariff announcement, while Hyundai's stock price fell by 7% [1]. Group 2: Political Response - New South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has linked the economic sanctions to the long-standing issue of wartime operational control, suggesting that South Korea should not relinquish military command to the U.S. while being treated as a cash cow [1]. - Lee's administration has initiated a working group to discuss the transfer of wartime command, which has surprised U.S. officials [4]. Group 3: Public Sentiment - A poll indicated that 62% of South Koreans support the move to reclaim wartime command, reflecting a shift in public opinion towards greater autonomy from U.S. military control [4]. Group 4: Strategic Maneuvers - Lee has taken steps to ease tensions with North Korea, such as reducing border loudspeaker volumes and expressing willingness to revive inter-Korean economic projects, which may weaken the U.S. narrative of a North Korean threat [2]. - Following the tariff announcement, Lee sent a trade delegation to China with a $15 billion semiconductor contract, further asserting South Korea's economic interests [4]. Group 5: Cost-Benefit Analysis - A detailed cost-benefit analysis by Lee's team suggests that while the tariff could cost South Korea $23 billion annually, regaining wartime command could save $5 billion in military expenses, making the trade-off favorable for the country [6].