The Koreans aren't just going to give away concessions on autos and beef,

... they're going to want something in return.

The Dong-a Ilbo (New strategies prepared for next month`s FTA talks with US) reports that on Wednesday in Seoul, "a high-ranking official at the Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry" gave some hints about the Korean wish list:

The new plan is known to include the protection of Korea’s relatively vulnerable pharmaceuticals and agricultural markets. On pharmaceuticals, Seoul will ask Washington to delay by 18 months a ban on the sale of reproduced American drugs in Korea before the patents expire for the original drugs.

The Korean government will also strengthen safeguard measures for agricultural products.

In addition, adjustment of what Korean opposition parties call “poison pill” clauses is under review. These include the negative list system for services allowing the opening of all service products except those specifically prohibited and a ratchet clause that bars going back to pre-free trade deal days.

Seoul, however, will not exclude the maligned investor-state dispute settlement clause, which allows a private investor to legally challenge a host government`s public policy.