In February and March 2018, South Korean news editorials focused on developments in US-South Korean relations and inter-Korean relations before, during, and after the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. On US-South Korean relations, analysts discussed Trump’s State of the Union address and the withdrawal of Victor Cha as the nominee for US ambassador to South Korea—both highlighting Trump’s hardline stance against North Korea. As the Olympic games commenced, South Korean analysts shifted focus to the visit by US Vice President Mike Pence, and subsequently, by the first daughter Ivanka Trump. Finally, they assessed increasing US trade protectionism and its effects on South Korea, following Trump’s announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

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