Trump touts ROK deal as he meets with Lee Jae-myung

U.S. President Donald Trump began the final leg of his Asia trip in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday, expressing optimism about advancing an unresolved tariff deal with ROK President Lee Jae-myung.

Trump was treated to a lavish reception by Lee in Gyeongju, the ROK city hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Addressing APEC leaders before his meeting with Lee, Trump said a trade deal with the ROK would be finalized "very soon," though officials on both sides have been downplaying the likelihood of a breakthrough this week.

The two countries announced a deal in late July under which the ROK would avoid the worst of the tariffs by agreeing to invest $350 billion of new investments in United States. However, talks over the structure of those investments have since stalled.

Meeting Lee at the nearby National Museum, Trump was presented with a gold crown and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the country's highest decoration worn as an elaborate sash and medal. "I'd like to wear it right now," Trump quipped.

At the start of the working lunch, that included a "golden dessert," Lee pledged to spend more on defense, addressing a frequent concern of Trump's that allies are not pulling their weight.

Lee also asked the U.S. to allow it to reprocess nuclear fuel to power submarines. Seoul is prohibited from doing so without U.S. consent under an agreement between the countries.

Trump pledged to help "straighten out" the ROK's problems with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

(With input from Reuters)