S. Korea's chief trade negotiator sacked amid growing U.S. tariff pressure

Seoul has dismissed South Korea's chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, amid escalating U.S. tariff pressure, officials announced on Saturday. The dismissal was communicated to Yeo by the Ministry of Personnel Management on Friday, though the specific reasons behind the decision were not disclosed. This move comes at a critical juncture for bilateral trade relations, as South Korea grapples with mounting U.S. pressure to expedite its investment commitments under a bilateral tariff agreement and a dispute involving fines against online retail giant Coupang for a personal data breach.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed a proclamation implementing additional tariffs on drones and their components, including a 15 percent tax on imports from South Korea. Yeo, who previously held the position of trade minister during the Moon Jae-in administration, was reappointed following the inauguration of the Lee Jae Myung administration in May 2025.

Throughout his tenure, he has been instrumental in trade negotiations with Washington, particularly discussions surrounding U.S. tariffs and South Korea's investment obligations.