South Korea's chief trade negotiator dismissed amid U.S. tariff pressure

South Korea's chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, has been dismissed from his post, officials confirmed Saturday. The decision comes as Seoul grapples with mounting tariff pressure from the United States over unresolved bilateral trade issues.

Yeo was notified of his dismissal by the Ministry of Personnel Management on Friday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy confirmed the dismissal without detailing the specific reasons. This development occurs at a critical juncture for U.S.-South Korea trade relations.

Seoul is facing increased U.S. demands to expedite investment commitments tied to a bilateral tariff agreement. Additionally, a dispute persists regarding fines imposed on U.S.-listed e-commerce firm Coupang for a personal data breach.

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing new tariffs on drones and their components, including a 15 percent levy on imports originating from South Korea. Yeo, who previously served as trade minister under the Moon Jae-in administration and was reappointed by the Lee Jae Myung administration in May 2025, had been instrumental in trade negotiations with Washington, particularly concerning U.S. tariffs and South Korea's investment commitments.