Anchor: U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday followed through on his promise and signed proclamations on a 25 percent tariff on steel and a ten percent tariff on aluminum imports. Seoul will try to persuade the U.S. to grant an exemption. It will also review taking the matter to the World Trade Organization. 
Our Park Jong-hong reports.

Report: President Donald Trump on Thursday signed heavy tariffs on steel and aluminum imports in a bid to boost U.S. industries. 

[Sound bite: U.S. President Donald Trump]
"Today I'm defending America's national security by placing tariffs on foreign imports of steel and aluminum. We will have a 25 percent tariff on foreign steel and a ten percent tariff on foreign aluminum.”

The proclamation defied calls from trading partners and even concerns from members of the Republican Party.

Canada and Mexico were exempted from the move as negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement are currently under way. South Korea was not so lucky.

But Trump did hint that exemptions could be given to more countries. 

[Sound bite: U.S. President Donald Trump]
“The tariffs don't go effective for at least another 15 days and we're going to see who's treating us fairly who's not treating us fairly. Part of that's going to be military who's paying the bills who's not paying the bills. We subsidize many rich countries with our military."

Seoul immediately convened a meeting with the local steel industry. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Paik Un-gyu said the U.S. decision is regrettable and that it would deal a substantial blow to South Korean steel exports to the U.S. 

Minister for Trade Kim Hyun-chong, who is currently in the U.S. to discuss South Korea's position with key American officials, told reporters that Seoul will try to gain an exemption within the next 15 days. If not, he said the government will review coordinating with the European Union and others to take the matter to the World Trade Organization.   

Seoul has repeatedly asked the Trump administration to exempt it from the steep tariffs pointing to the close economic and security ties between the two nations.
Park Jong-hong, KBS World Radio News.