Farmers demand trade minister’s resignation as US reportedly presses Korea on beef and genetically modified crop imports

Agriculture ministry press releases denying reports about using agricultural and livestock sector as leverage chips for U.S. tariff talks | Images: ROK Agriculture ministry (July 16, 2025), Canva (background)

South Korean agricultural groups on Wednesday threatened large-scale protests over the possibility of expanded U.S. agricultural imports under ongoing trade negotiations. The Korea Successor Advanced Farmers Federation (KAFF) held a press conference outside the presidential office calling for the resignation of trade minister Yeo Han-koo, accusing him of treating the agricultural sector as a bargaining chip in talks aimed at avoiding U.S. tariffs. The group warned of a “massive struggle” if the government makes decisions without prior consultation with farmers.

Its criticism followed comments by Yeo earlier this week indicating flexibility on agricultural issues. “I believe it’s possible to reach an agreement in principle in the U.S. tariff negotiations, and then take some time to negotiate further,” he was quoted as saying by local media. “We need to make a strategic judgment in the case of the agriculture and livestock sectors,” noting that while some “sensitive” areas may remain protected, others could be addressed as part of a broader framework agreement. Farmer groups labeled the remarks “irresponsible and complacent.”

South Korean agricultural groups on Wednesday threatened large-scale protests over the possibility of expanded U.S. agricultural imports under ongoing trade negotiations. The Korea Successor Advanced Farmers Federation (KAFF) held a press conference outside the presidential office calling for the resignation of trade minister Yeo Han-koo, accusing him of treating the agricultural sector as a bargaining chip in talks aimed at avoiding U.S. tariffs. The group warned of a “massive struggle” if the government makes decisions without prior consultation with farmers.

Its criticism followed comments by Yeo earlier this week indicating flexibility on agricultural issues. “I believe it’s possible to reach an agreement in principle in the U.S. tariff negotiations, and then take some time to negotiate further,” he was quoted as saying by local media. “We need to make a strategic judgment in the case of the agriculture and livestock sectors,” noting that while some “sensitive” areas may remain protected, others could be addressed as part of a broader framework agreement. Farmer groups labeled the remarks “irresponsible and complacent.”

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