Core Viewpoint - The U.S. and South Korea are accelerating negotiations on a $350 billion investment agreement, shifting focus from currency swap concerns to investment structure design, with a potential finalization during the APEC summit next week [1][2]. Investment Structure - The South Korean government is prioritizing a balanced investment scheme that may include direct investments, loans, and guarantees, with the necessity and scale of currency swaps depending on the final agreement structure [2][3]. - South Korea aims to finalize the agreement during the APEC summit, with the government committed to achieving this goal [2][3]. Tariff Disadvantages - Ongoing negotiations have been slow, with South Korea facing a 25% tariff on automobiles compared to Japan's 15%, putting Korean automakers at a competitive disadvantage [3][4]. - The potential loss of zero-tariff status for South Korean automotive exports to the U.S. raises concerns, as both countries may be subjected to a new 15% tariff framework [3][4]. Feasibility Concerns - The scale of the investment commitments from both the U.S. and Japan raises questions about feasibility, with the $350 billion commitment equating to 6.5% of South Korea's GDP, needing to be completed within three years [5][6]. - The investment model, which allows the U.S. government to control funds without congressional oversight, has sparked concerns about resource misallocation and corruption opportunities [6]. Governance Risks - The investment funds may lead to significant resource misallocation and potential corruption, as political pressures could influence funding decisions towards enterprises aligned with presidential and Republican interests [6]. - The lack of precedent for allowing a president to freely allocate billions in investments raises governance concerns, especially given the political accountability of Japanese and South Korean officials [6].