"In recent remarks on trade protectionism and currency manipulators by US President Donald Trump, he hasn't mentioned South Korea," Jeong Young-sik from KIEP was quoted as saying by the report. "For the United States, South Korea is important in terms of security, rather than economy."

Since the inauguration of Trump in January, many have been concerned about the high possibility of a renegotiation of the Seoul-Washington free trade pact and the designation of currency manipulator in accordance with his previous comments.

For the recent month, however, the US has taken no immediate action against the South Korean economy.

The KIEP researcher noted that the US government will be more prudent in bringing such issues to the surface, considering South Korea's geopolitical importance.

He cited that US Defense Secretary James Mattis chose South Korea for his first overseas trip earlier this month.

At the same time, Seoul is in close talks with Washington on the deployment of the US-led missile system, or the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, which sparked strong protest from China.

Other experts said the regional tension may intensify due to rising conflict between the US and China over issues like the missile system and South China sea.

"Such sensitive issue between the two super powers can bring an unexpected disadvantage to South Korea," said Kim Han-kwon from the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security. "South Korea has to set its stance precisely on the issue." (Yonhap)