"If you have any problems getting the permission you want, come to me."

U.S. President Donald Trump promised to approve the deal as soon as possible, welcoming Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, who announced his plan to invest $21 billion at the White House in Washington, D.C. on the 24th (local time).

Before the briefing, President Trump asked Chairman Chung to shake hands. Afterwards, he greeted Jang Jae-hoon, vice chairman of automobiles, Sung Kim, a former U.S. ambassador to Korea, and Seo Kang-hyun, president of Hyundai Steel. President Trump, who looked gentle, began his remarks soon after, introducing Hyundai Motor Group participants and joking, "These names are not very difficult (to pronounce)." "Hyundai Motor Group will produce steel in the U.S. and make cars in the U.S.," President Trump said. "In the end, there is no need to pay tariffs."

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (Louisiana), Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, and Republican House Minority Leader Steve Scalise (Louisiana) also stood side by side at the briefing. Hyundai Motor Group's investment announcement is a significant achievement for the second Trump administration, and it is a scene where the weight is felt. Chairman Chung praised President Trump in English in the order of his remarks, saying, "Congratulations on a remarkable start to the new term." Hyundai Motor has invested more than $20 billion since entering the U.S. in 1986, supporting more than 570,000 jobs in 50 U.S. states, he said. "We plan to invest an additional $21 billion over the next four years." This is Hyundai Motor's largest investment in the U.S., he stressed.

As Hyundai Motor Group makes investments in the U.S., attention is also being paid to the actions of other domestic companies. Samsung Electronics is expected to take a cautious response until specific measures such as the Trump administration's semiconductor tariffs and subsidy policies are taken. SK Group is considering expanding investment in the U.S. in all areas such as batteries, semiconductors, and energy. SK On, a battery subsidiary, is looking for ways to strengthen its supply chain by expanding production facilities in the U.S. LG Group is focusing on securing the competitiveness of electric vehicle batteries in North America, focusing on LG Energy Solution. LG Energy Solution operates and builds eight production bases in collaboration with GM, Hyundai Motor, and Honda.

[Washington correspondent Choi Seungjin / Reporter Park Sora / Reporter Choo Donghoon]