The U.S. government on Thursday turned up the heat on the South Korean government to make changes in its implementation of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement in order to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

“We welcome Korea’s interest in becoming part of the TPP. With the full implementation of the FTA, it will receive much stronger support in future deliberations and consultation,” said U.S. Ambassador to Korea Sung Kim, at the American Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Kim’s comment comes amid complaints from U.S. businessmen in Korea that the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement ― which came into effect on March 14, 2012 ― has widened the trade deficit in Korea’s favor. There have been complaints in the U.S. that South Korea is not implementing some of its FTA commitments as rapidly or effectively as some had hoped. 

“I am very concerned about the issue. I am hopeful that with full implementation of the agreement in both letters and spirit, the numbers will improve,” Kim explained.

His remarks were the latest from U.S. authorities and businessmen demanding that Seoul commit to what they call “full implementation of the FTA.”

In December 2013 and last week, Tami Overby, vice president for Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said at a forum in Washington that “full and faithful implementation” of the FTA was needed before Seoul can join the U.S.-led economic partnership. She cited non-customs barriers and automobiles as hindrance.

Next week, AMCHAM members are scheduled to visit Washington to deliver their concerns to the American political scene and such issues are expected to be raised.

Kim, who is the first U.S. ambassador of Korean-American heritage, also urged North Korea to stop its provocations.

“We have witnessed North Korea continue to improve its missile capability ... recently firing short-range missiles off its east coast. We call on North Korea to cease provocative behavior,” he said.

Kim assured that the U.S. stands with Korea in deterring and defending against any aggression, referring to North’s third nuclear weapons test last year and the recent launch of short-range missiles.

“We will continue to coordinate closely with South Korea and our allies and partners to make North Korea make the right choices on denuclearization to build lasting peace on the peninsula,” he said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)