South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo departed for Washington on January 11, 2026, following the trade ministry's recent announcement of intensified U.S. outreach. The trip aims to explain Seoul's policy on revisions to its network act curbing false online information, amid U.S. worries over impacts on platforms and free expression.
Following the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources' January 8 pledge to expand dialogue with Washington over non-tariff barriers, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo departed Incheon International Airport on Sunday, January 11, 2026, for the U.S.
In a pre-departure interview with Yonhap News Agency, Yeo said, "We need to explain the government's exact policy intentions regarding the domestic digital legislation." He added that "our exact policy intentions may have been misunderstood."
The U.S. State Department has raised significant concerns that the amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act could harm American online platforms and undermine free speech. Yeo plans to meet United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, other USTR officials, key lawmakers, and business leaders.
The visit underscores the balancing act in South Korea-U.S. digital trade relations, with Seoul insisting the law targets misinformation without curbing expression, while Washington questions its alignment with global standards.
