South Korea Nears U.S. Energy Investment Deal to Support AI Buildout

South Korea is expected to announce a major U.S. energy investment project to support American artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to The Wall Street Journal. According to Odaily, the potential agreement is valued at more than $100 billion and would fund up to eight nuclear power plants and one gas project. The deal would mark long-awaited progress on a trade agreement reached last October between Washington and Seoul. Under that accord, U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung agreed to cut most U.S. tariffs from 25% to 15%, including duties on South Korea's auto industry. In return, South Korea pledged $350 billion in U.S. investment and an additional $100 billion in U.S. energy purchases. No projects had been finalized until now, drawing criticism from U.S. officials, including Trump. He threatened in January to raise tariffs on South Korea again. The two sides are now close to finalizing two agreements, which could be announced as early as next week.