Earlier in the talks the U.S. had pressed South Korea to lift restrictions on imports derived from cattle older than 30 months, but Yeo helped defuse that by showing the Americans a photo of massive protests that occurred years ago over concerns about mad cow disease.

President Trump announced a trade deal with South Korea on Wednesday, putting 15 percent tariffs on South Korean goods, much higher than they were just a few months ago but lower than Mr. Trump had threatened.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States will impose a 15% tariff on South Korean goods in a deal made just ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline.