Cheong Wa Dae says joint study on trade agreement's benefits for both countries to be launched; president also visits 2026 Mexico K-Expo

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung pose for a photo with participants at a random play dance event held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City on Friday (local time). [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung pose for a photo with participants at a random play dance event held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City on Friday (local time). [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung, currently on a state visit to Mexico, has formally announced plans to pursue a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the country to expand bilateral economic cooperation.

Cheong Wa Dae Communications Secretary Seong Ki-hong told reporters at a press briefing in Mexico City on Friday (local time) that the visit had laid the institutional groundwork for expanding economic cooperation with Mexico — the world's 10th-largest economy — and created a favorable environment for Korean companies to enter advanced industry markets including AI, space and defense.

Lee himself raised the need for a "trade agreement" between the two countries during a speech at the Korea-Mexico Business Forum that day.

A Cheong Wa Dae official clarified that the trade agreement Lee referred to was "a CEPA aimed at advancing economic cooperation in trade, investment, industry and supply chains." The two sides also agreed to launch a joint study on what benefits such an agreement would bring to both countries, using the state visit as an opportunity, the official added.

The tariff burden on Korean companies operating in Mexico could also emerge as an agenda item in future negotiations on the agreement.

Lee also visited the 2026 Mexico K-Expo held that day and engaged with local K-pop fans.

Seong said Lee made a surprise visit to a random play dance event attended by about 150 local dance teams and K-pop fans.

"I am truly delighted to meet all of you who love K-pop," Lee told the crowd. "I hope you become dancers and singers who bring happiness to others through K-pop."

First lady Kim Hye-kyung expressed her appreciation, saying she had heard that the crowd's passionate cheers and energy when BTS visited Mexico in May had been overwhelming.

As Lee and Kim pressed the music play button at the emcee's invitation, BTS's "Dynamite" and other songs played in succession. The couple applauded as participants performed choreography to each song.

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung watch cover dance performances alongside Mexican broadcaster Cristian Burgos, who hosted the event, at the World Trade Center in Mexico City on Friday (local time). [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung watch cover dance performances alongside Mexican broadcaster Cristian Burgos, who hosted the event, at the World Trade Center in Mexico City on Friday (local time). [Yonhap]

sang@heraldcorp.com