Park Congratulates Trump on Victory

President Park Geun-hye sent a congratulatory message to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Park congratulated Trump on his election based on his "outstanding" achievements in various fields and public support for his leadership.

She expressed hope that the two countries will further consolidate mutual cooperation to resolve issues including the North Korean nuclear program and develop the Seoul-Washington alliance. She is expected to talk with Trump on the phone in a few days.

The government was busy as the shock outcome of the U.S. presidential election emerged. An urgent government meeting in the afternoon sought to analyze possible effects of the vocally isolationist candidate's election win on Korea's foreign and security situation and discuss a response.

Being briefed on the result, Park asked officials to "build a cooperative relationship with the U.S. presidential transition committee first and then the next U.S. government, taking into account the grave situation amid the mounting nuclear and missile threats from the North."

Soon afterwards, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn chaired a meeting of relevant ministers to make an overall assessment of the U.S. presidential election on the economy and security.

Another urgent meeting was held between the ruling Saenuri Party and the government at the National Assembly. In the meeting, a government official warned there could be greater pressure from Washington for Seoul to bear a heavier defense burden and a request for renegotiation of the bilateral free trade agreement.