Trade minister seeks to address U.S. concerns on Korea's online platform regulation

▲ South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks to the press upon arrival at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 11, 2026. (Yonhap)

trade minister-US visit

Trade minister seeks to address U.S. concerns on Korea's online platform regulation

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo sought Monday to address the United States' concerns over South Korea's regulatory efforts about online platforms, as he met with a U.S. lawmaker and interest groups in Washington.

Yeo arrived in Washington on Sunday, after the State Department expressed "significant concerns" last month over a recently passed revision to the Information and Communications Network Act aimed at tackling false and fabricated online information. Critics say the law and other regulatory moves in Seoul could affect U.S. tech firms.

Yeo was said to have met Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), who has been critical of Korea's regulatory steps, and attended a roundtable with officials from the Coalition of Services Industries, Computer and Communications Industry Association, and National Foreign Trade Council.

Upon arrival in the U.S., Yeo noted the need to provide clear explanation on intentions behind South Korea's policy and legislation so as to help address "misunderstandings."

The minister is also expected to seek dialogue with other U.S. lawmakers Tuesday, while coordination is under way to arrange a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

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