Group 1 - The core issue is that the South Korean economy is under unprecedented pressure due to U.S. tariffs, with a demand for $400 billion in "protection fees" that exceeds 80% of South Korea's annual budget [1][3][5] - The automotive industry is particularly affected, facing threats of additional tariffs on cars and core components, compounding existing challenges [3][5] - South Korea's GDP growth forecast has been halved, with exports to the U.S. down over 15% year-on-year, and the steel industry is in a state of decline [3][7] Group 2 - The U.S. has made provocative demands, including the complete opening of the agricultural market and the establishment of a $400 billion investment fund for South Korean companies to invest in the U.S., which has faced strong opposition domestically [3][5] - In response to these pressures, South Korea is seeking diplomatic breakthroughs, as evidenced by the launch of a certification center for the China-South Korea Free Trade Area, indicating a potential shift in foreign policy [5][7] - The deep economic ties with China complicate South Korea's position, as it must balance its alliance with the U.S. while navigating pressures from China [5][7] Group 3 - The extreme pressure from U.S. tariffs may backfire in the long term, as South Korea is looking to strengthen its economic ties with China through the Free Trade Area, which could alter the economic landscape in Northeast Asia [7] - The ongoing challenges, including the $400 billion demand and the agricultural market opening, create significant governance issues for the South Korean administration [7]