Our top story this morning.
One of President Moon Jae-in's most trusted advisors is back from Washington... where he discussed with his American counterparts... Japan's controversial new trade curbs on South Korea.
He said on Sunday that he thinks he fully achieved his goals, but for now... Japan's restrictions remain in force.
Lee Seung-jae starts us off.

Returning from his four-day visit to the U.S capital on Sunday,... Kim Hyun-chong,... the deputy chief of Cheong Wa Dae's National Security Office said he "adequately achieved the goal" of his visit to Washington.
Upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport,... Kim said he explained the "unfairness of Japan's measures",... adding that American officials sympathized with the latest events, and their effect on the U.S., as well.

The U.S. now has a good understanding of our stance. They are also worried about how this might impact the global supply chain related to chips and displays... and damage U.S. companies."
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Kim further expressed hope that Washington would be able to the relay the situation to Tokyo,... and will continue to work hard to prevent trilateral ties falling apart.
However, despite the U.S. calling for a trilateral vice-ministerial level meeting last Friday,... Japan spurned the offer,... citing schedule conflicts,... despite South Korea agreeing to hold the talks.
Kim says Seoul and Washington are open to hold talks at any time,... but Tokyo is refusing to negotiate.
Sources say the U.S. was greatly disappointed with Japan's attitude,... adding Washington also sees it as a problem that Tokyo flatly turned down an offer for dialogue.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.