https://www.scmp.com/rss/524091/feed Koo Yun-cheol is a South Korean bureaucrat, nominated as the next Finance Minister, a role that also entails serving as Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs. His responsibilities will include stabilising living prices, revitalising the economy, and navigating global economic uncertainties. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Park Chan-kyong Park Chan-kyong US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will reinstate 25 per cent tariffs on South Korea is less indicative of a sudden rupture in relations but more an attempt to reassert leverage over an ally ahead of a critical US Supreme Court ruling, analysts say. Trump has accused South Korea of failing to follow through on a bilateral trade deal, reviving trade tensions between two close allies and prompting Seoul to seek urgent talks with Washington. The timing also reflected Trump’s mounting... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3341385/trump-pressuring-south-korea-lock-deal-us-court-can-strike-down-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3341385/trump-pressuring-south-korea-lock-deal-us-court-can-strike-down-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 07:47:23 +0000 Park Chan-kyong Park Chan-kyong Top Seoul officials are visiting Washington amid signs of major progress in tough trade negotiations, although analysts warn that a coerced deal could severely damage South Korea’s economy. Kim Yong-bum, policy chief of the presidential staff, and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan left for Washington on Thursday to join Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo. The delegation plans to meet US counterparts to finalise details of South Korea’s US$350 billion investment... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3329211/south-korea-us-edge-closer-us350-billion-trade-deal-breakthrough-gap-has-narrowed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3329211/south-korea-us-edge-closer-us350-billion-trade-deal-breakthrough-gap-has-narrowed?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:50:35 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times As a crucial August 1 deadline looms, South Korea and the United States are racing to finalise a sprawling package deal encompassing tariffs and security. The high-stakes negotiations are intensifying scrutiny on how Washington’s far-reaching demands concerning defence and regional stability will ultimately shape the agreement. The negotiations may include pressure on Seoul to increase its defence spending and take on a larger role in countering China, both of which align with US President... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3319424/south-korea-faces-us-pressure-defence-china-amid-tariff-deadline?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3319424/south-korea-faces-us-pressure-defence-china-amid-tariff-deadline?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:39:19 +0000