The abrupt dismissal of Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has raised concerns over Korea's ability to navigate sensitive negotiations with the United States, as the two countries work to finalize a major investment package in exchange for a tariff reduction. President Lee Jae Myung dismissed Yeo, who had led trade negotiations with Washington, effective midnight on Saturday, without giving a reason or naming a successor. The move came as Seoul and Washington work to finalize a large-scale investment package, with the Donald Trump administration expected to announce later this month the results of a Section 301 investigation into Korea for alleged excess industrial capacity and forced labor. In July, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a 12.5 percent tariff on Korea and other economies over forced labor allegations under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act. Separately, the USTR is investigating 16 economies, including Korea, under the same law over alleged excess industrial capacity and production. The sudden leadership vacuum resulting from Yeo's dismissal has raised questions over the