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South Korean Parliament Sets Interpellation as U.S. Considers Formalizing 25% Tariff Threat

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  • South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Lim Lee-ja (R) of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), who chairs the parliamentary Finance, Economy, Planning and Budget committee, meets with Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 4, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Lim Lee-ja (R) of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), who chairs the parliamentary Finance, Economy, Planning and Budget committee, meets with Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 4, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This photo, taken Jan. 29, 2026, shows Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaking to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This photo, taken Jan. 29, 2026, shows Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaking to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (C) speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Jan. 31, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (C) speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Jan. 31, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to reporters ahead of his departure for the United States, at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to reporters ahead of his departure for the United States, at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, to depart for the United States on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, to depart for the United States on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Lim Lee-ja (R) of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), who chairs the parliamentary Finance, Economy, Planning and Budget committee, meets with Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 4, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Lim Lee-ja (R) of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), who chairs the parliamentary Finance, Economy, Planning and Budget committee, meets with Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 4, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This photo, taken Jan. 29, 2026, shows Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaking to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This photo, taken Jan. 29, 2026, shows Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaking to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to their talks at the State Department on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, to depart for the United States on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, to depart for the United States on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to reporters ahead of his departure for the United States, at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to reporters ahead of his departure for the United States, at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Prime Minister Kim Min-seok holds a press conference at his official residence in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (C) speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Jan. 31, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (C) speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Jan. 31, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the ruling Democratic Party speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Han Jeoung-ae (L) of the ruling Democratic Party enters a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Han Jeoung-ae (L) of the ruling Democratic Party enters a press briefing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press outside the Commerce Department in Washington on Jan. 30, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (3rd from L) responds to questions during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (3rd from L) responds to questions during a panel discussion hosted by Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association, in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Interpellation slated before Lunar New Year to probe tariff talks The Finance, Economy, Planning and Budget Committee, led by Rep. Lim Lee‑ja, agreed on Feb. 4 to hold an interpellation session before the Feb. 14 holiday, targeting the pending special U.S. investment bill and the status of tariff negotiations. Finance Minister Koo Yun‑cheol briefed lawmakers and asked for swift passage of the bill, while President Donald Trump warned he could raise South Korean tariffs to 25 % from the current 15 % if legislative delays persist [1].

U.S. agencies move toward formalizing the tariff increase The Trump administration began inter‑agency consultations on publishing a formal tariff plan in the Federal Register, a step that would turn the president’s threat into enforceable policy [2]. Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo met USTR Jamieson Greer and other officials in Washington, stressing Seoul’s intent to meet the $350 billion investment pledge that underpins the 15 % tariff rate [2].

Trade minister pledges to honor the pact and avoid economic harm Yeo Han‑koo told U.S. officials that South Korea will uphold the existing tariff agreement and seeks a mutually beneficial resolution, warning that a 25 % hike would damage both economies [3]. He highlighted non‑tariff issues such as digital regulation and noted USTR concerns over Korean platform rules, promising intensive consultations before returning to Seoul on Thursday [3].

Foreign minister reinforces nuclear and shipbuilding cooperation Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, reaffirming joint work on civil nuclear power, nuclear‑powered submarines and shipbuilding, and confirming both sides’ commitment to full denuclearisation of North Korea [4][5]. The meeting also previewed Cho’s participation in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by Rubio, aimed at diversifying supply chains for high‑tech and defense sectors [4][5].

Hotline between Seoul and Washington accelerates dispute resolution Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok credited a new direct hotline with Vice President JD Vance for enabling rapid exchanges that have advanced tariff‑related talks, despite Trump’s surprise announcement of a possible 25 % increase [9][10]. Kim emphasized that most U.S. officials were unaware of the threat until it was announced, and that senior Korean trade teams are engaged in Washington to prevent escalation.

Sources

Timeline

July 30, 2025 – The United States and South Korea sign a strategic trade and investment agreement that caps tariffs at 15 % on Korean autos, lumber and pharmaceuticals and ties a $350 billion investment pledge to the tariff reductions, laying the foundation for the later dispute. [24][26]

Oct 29‑30, 2025 – Presidents Lee Jae‑Myung and Donald Trump finalize the deal at a summit in Gyeongju, and the U.S. announces a retroactive 15 % tariff on Korean automobiles effective Nov 1, marking the first major concession under the pact. [30][28][27]

Nov 26, 2025 – South Korea’s National Assembly submits a special bill to enact the $350 billion investment commitment, a legislative step required for the tariff‑cut benefits to remain in force. [23][24][30]

Dec 1‑3, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Commerce and USTR publish Federal Register notices implementing 15 % duties on Korean autos, aircraft parts and lumber retroactive to Nov 1, officially lowering the tariffs promised in the October summit. [30][28][27][29][26]

Jan 26, 2026 – President Trump posts on Truth Social that the United States will raise “reciprocal” tariffs and auto duties on South Korean goods from 15 % to 25 % because Seoul has not ratified the trade framework, reversing the earlier 15 % rate. [24][25][21][20][15][14][13][12][1][2][3][5]

Jan 27, 2026 – Trump tells reporters the U.S. will “work something out” with Seoul, while a White House official says South Korea has made “no progress” on the deal; South Korea’s presidential office reports it has received no formal U.S. notice and Finance Minister Koo Yun‑cheol pledges an “active explanation” to Washington. [14][17][22][13][16][15]

Jan 27, 2026 – Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan (in Canada) and Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo are slated to travel to Washington to meet Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and USTR Jamieson Greer, aiming to address the tariff threat and advance the pending investment bill. [19][21][23][5][10][9]

Jan 27‑28, 2026 – The ruling Democratic Party announces a deliberation on the special investment bill for the next month; Korean markets react with a brief KOSPI dip but then close up 2.7 % as tech stocks rally, showing investor resilience amid tariff uncertainty. [18][4][5][15]

Jan 28, 2026 – Senior aide Kim Yong‑beom says the government will detail the investment bill to the United States and target a February parliamentary vote, while Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan departs Ottawa for Dulles to meet Lutnick and reaffirm Seoul’s $350 billion pledge. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][20]

Jan 29, 2026 – Kim Jung‑kwan meets Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at the Commerce Department, telling reporters “I will do my best” to resolve the tariff issue and uphold Korea’s obligations under the July‑2025 agreement. [8]

Jan 30, 2026 – Two‑day tariff talks in Washington end without an agreement; both sides say they understand each other’s positions and will continue negotiations via video link, while South Korea remains on the U.S. foreign‑exchange monitoring list and launches the NEONSAT‑1A nanosatellite as part of a 2027 Earth‑observation constellation plan. [6][7][1]

Feb 2026 (planned) – South Korea’s government intensifies communication with the National Assembly to secure a plenary vote on the special investment bill, aiming to pass it before the end of February to satisfy the U.S. tariff‑reduction conditions. [9][11][23]

2026 (future) – The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide a case on whether the president exceeded authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act when imposing sweeping, country‑specific tariffs, a ruling that could limit Trump’s ability to enforce the 25 % rates. [2][3][5][21]

2027 (planned) – South Korea intends to complete a satellite constellation for Earth observation, building on the NEONSAT‑1A launch in January 2026, illustrating broader strategic cooperation beyond trade. [7]

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