(LEAD) S. Korea's chief trade negotiator fired amid growing U.S. tariff pressure

Seoul, Aug. 15 - South Korea's chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, has been dismissed from his post amid escalating U.S. tariff pressure, officials announced on Saturday. The Ministry of Personnel Management informed Yeo of his dismissal on Friday, though the official reason for the decision remains undisclosed. His dismissal is not connected to tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington, according to a government official.

Yeo dismissed speculation of a personal misconduct reason for his dismissal, stating in a statement that such claims were baseless and that he would consider legal action against false reports.

The dismissal occurs at a critical juncture for bilateral trade relations, as South Korea grapples with mounting U.S. pressure to hasten its investment commitments under a bilateral tariff agreement and a dispute over fines imposed against the U.S.-listed e-commerce giant Coupang for a personal data breach. On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation levying new tariffs on drones and their components, including a 15 percent tax on imports from South Korea.

Yeo had previously served as trade minister under the Moon Jae-in administration and was reappointed following the inauguration of the Lee Jae Myung administration in May 2025. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in trade negotiations with Washington, including discussions on U.S. tariffs and South Korea's investment commitments.