Korea's chief trade negotiator fired amid growing US tariff pressure

South Korea's chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, has been fired from his position, officials revealed on Saturday. The dismissal, announced by the Ministry of Personnel Management, came as Seoul encounters escalating tariff pressure from the United States due to ongoing trade disputes.

Yeo was informed of his termination by the Ministry on Friday, according to an official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. However, the specific reason behind his dismissal was not disclosed. A government source clarified to Yonhap News Agency that Yeo's dismissal is unrelated to the tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington.

Speculation regarding Yeo's dismissal has suggested potential misconduct. In a statement, Yeo rejected these claims as baseless and indicated his willingness to pursue legal action against false reports. The firing of the chief negotiator occurs during a critical juncture for bilateral trade relations, as South Korea grapples with mounting U.S. pressure to expedite its investment obligations under a bilateral tariff agreement and a dispute involving fines against e-commerce giant Coupang for a personal data breach.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing additional tariffs, intensifying the pressure on South Korea to address its trade concerns.