Korea’s Chief Trade Negotiator Dismissed Amid Escalating US Tariff Pressure

South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, has been dismissed from his role. The Ministry of Personnel Management notified Yeo of his dismissal on Friday, according to officials. This decision occurs amid heightened pressure from the United States regarding tariffs and other bilateral trade issues.

A Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official confirmed the dismissal but did not provide a specific reason. Despite speculation linking his departure to tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington, a government official speaking to Yonhap News Agency stated that the dismissal was unrelated to these talks. Yeo himself addressed rumors of personal misconduct, calling them unfounded and threatening legal action against false reports.

Mounting US Pressure

The dismissal happens at a critical juncture for bilateral trade relations. The United States is pressing Seoul to accelerate its investment commitments under a prior tariff agreement. Also, there is an ongoing dispute concerning fines imposed on the US-listed e-commerce giant Coupang for a personal data breach.

Just days before Yeo’s dismissal, on Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing new tariffs. These included a 15 percent levy on drones and their components imported from Korea, among other items. Yeo had previously served as trade minister under the Moon Jae-in administration and was reappointed in May 2025 by the Lee Jae Myung administration, playing a key role in trade discussions with Washington.