Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol. [Yonhap]
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol. [Yonhap]

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, who is being replaced in a cabinet reshuffle, initially canceled his trip to the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting before reversing course and deciding to attend.

Koo departed Sunday morning for Asheville, United States, where the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting is being held.

Earlier, Koo had arrived at Incheon International Airport and, upon learning he was among those to be replaced in the reshuffle, canceled his US trip.

He reversed that decision at the last minute after concluding that he must continue in his duties until a successor is confirmed — a process that requires a National Assembly confirmation hearing even after a new deputy prime minister is nominated.

His decision also appeared to take into account a scheduled bilateral meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other senior officials from major countries.

At the meeting, Koo plans to highlight the solid fundamentals of the South Korean economy and the government's efforts to expand medium- and long-term growth potential in response to structural challenges, while also sharing views on key global economic issues such as debt and imbalances.


klee@heraldcorp.com