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Trump says Korea wants to join Alaska LNG project for 'trillions of dollars'

Published: 05 Mar. 2025, 12:20 Updated: 05 Mar. 2025, 15:57

PARK EUN-JEE
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A stop sign is seen on Nanook Ave. in an undeveloped area at the edge of Kaktovik, Alaska, on Oct. 14, 2024, [AP]

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Korea and Japan will invest "trillions of dollars" in a gigantic natural gas pipeline project in Alaska.

"My administration is also working on a gigantic natural gas pipeline in Alaska, among the largest in the world, where Japan, South Korea and other nations want to be our partner, with investments of trillions of dollars each. There's never been anything like that one. It will truly be spectacular," he said during his first address to the U.S. Congress since returning to the Oval Office Tuesday night.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, center in the right row, speaks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in a conference room of the United States Trade Representative in Washington on March 1. [YONHAP]

Still, his assured remarks contrast with the cautious tone of Seoul's industry minister, Ahn Duk-geun, who briefed reporters about the outcome of his recent visit to the United States in Sejong on Tuesday.

"Diversifying [energy] import sources to the United States is considered a very important aspect of energy security, so we are actively reviewing it," he said, adding, "As for the Alaska project, we are not in a position to comment at this stage," avoiding a direct answer to the question about Korea's stance on the project.

"However, it seems to be a high-priority project for the United States."

The White House released excerpts before Trump's speech, which referred to the participation but were more vague about the investments by "partner" countries, saying that Japan, Korea and others are interested in joining the project, "with trillions of dollars being spent by them."

Updated, March 5: Added Trump's quote referring to Japan and Korea's investments, recast headline.
Updated, March 5: Added background information about Ahn's comments on the project.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [[email protected]]