US, South Korea at odds over Alaska LNG

October 05, 2026 (MLN): The United States and South Korea are at odds over Seoul's planned energy investments in America, with President Donald Trump rejecting claims that he spoke too soon about South Korea joining a $50bn Alaska LNG project and warning that Seoul could face a doubled cost if it does not sign on soon.

President Trump said on Friday that he had not jumped the gun, adding that he was fine if South Korea chose to stay out, but would simply charge it more.

He asked that Seoul be told he would double it up if it does not sign shortly, according to the White House.

He did not say what would be doubled, though South Korean media suggested he may have been referring to higher tariffs, according to CNBC.

Seoul has said it is still assessing the Alaska LNG project, with any participation depending on its commercial viability and compliance with domestic legal procedures.

Separately, President Trump said on Truth Social on Friday that the South Korean investment deal keeps getting better, as he unveiled an additional $8.4bn enhanced oil recovery project.

The technique, which includes injecting carbon dioxide into oil fields, is used to extract more crude from existing wells.

However, South Korean media reported, citing the country's industry ministry, that the oil recovery project was not part of the agreements reached between Seoul and Washington.

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