Trade Negotiator Yeo Han-koo Heads to U.S. to Address Misunderstandings Over 'Online Platform Act'

First U.S. Visit of the Year
Meeting with Lawmakers to Hear Concerns and Provide Explanations

Yeo Han-koo, Trade Minister for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, departed for the United States on January 11 to address U.S. concerns over domestic digital-related regulations that have emerged as a key issue in Korea-U.S. trade relations.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and government officials, Minister Yeo left for the United States on this day for these reasons. With a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on reciprocal tariffs imminent, his aim is to gain a preliminary understanding of developments within the U.S. government and industry, while also clearly explaining the policy intentions behind Korea's digital legislation.

The U.S. administration and Congress have openly expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that Korea's amended Information and Communications Network Act, which passed the National Assembly late last year, and the proposed 'Online Platform Act' currently under discussion, are regulations targeting U.S. companies. On December 31, they stated, "We express serious concerns that the Korean government has approved amendments to the Network Act (Information and Communications Network Act), which negatively affect the operations of U.S. online platforms and undermine freedom of expression."

The amended Information and Communications Network Act stipulates that if a person intentionally distributes information known to be falsely manipulated, they may be liable for damages up to five times the actual amount.

This marks Minister Yeo's first visit to the United States this year. He plans to meet with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), key members of the House and Senate, as well as representatives from the digital industry and associations, to listen in detail to their concerns. He will actively explain that the regulations are not discriminatory or unnecessary barriers against U.S. companies, and is scheduled to return to Korea on January 15.

Yonhap News Agency