South Korea's legislature failed to enact the historic trade agreement, leaving the deal in legal limbo despite Seoul's commitment. Raising tariffs from 15 to 25% percent simply holds South Korea accountable for notfailing livingto live up to its sideend of the bargain. The tariff increase is justified when a trading partner refuses to formalize agreements already negotiated in good faith under international norms.

The agreement is already being implemented, as a memorandum of understanding permits the tariff reductions to apply retroactively from the month the implementing legislation is introduced. From Seoul's perspective, submission of the bill fulfilled its commitment to Washington, and any subsequent legislative delays do not constitute a breach, given that the MOU framework neither requires parliamentary ratification nor establishes deadlines.