Trump pushes South Korea to join Alaska LNG project, but Seoul hesitates

South Korea is approaching calls from the Trump administration to take part in the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project with caution, as officials in Seoul weigh the venture's high costs and commercial risks.

The Alaska LNG project has been promoted by President Donald Trump as a flagship energy initiative, with Washington encouraging allied nations, including South Korea, to invest in or commit to purchasing gas from the project.

South Korean officials have so far stopped short of making firm commitments, reflecting concerns over the project's economics. Large-scale LNG developments of this kind typically require substantial upfront capital investment and carry long-term exposure to shifting global energy prices.

Seoul's hesitation comes as South Korea continues to diversify its energy supply chains, weighing its existing LNG contracts with other suppliers against the strategic and diplomatic benefits of aligning with a US-backed project.

How South Korea's deliberations play out could influence how other US allies in Asia respond to similar overtures regarding the Alaska LNG venture, as Washington continues to seek partners for the project.