Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol proceeds with U.S. trip for G20 meeting despite Cabinet reshuffle

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol proceeded with his planned trip to the United States to attend an upcoming Group of 20 (G20) meeting despite being replaced in a Cabinet reshuffle, government sources said Sunday.

Koo arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, earlier in the morning and departed for the United States for the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, scheduled for Monday in Asheville, North Carolina.

He initially canceled his trip after learning he would be replaced in a reshuffle announced by Cheong Wa Dae later in the day, but decided to proceed with the trip as it would take time for the new minister to take office, the sources said.

Koo is set to hold talks with counterparts from major countries, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, on the sidelines of the G20 meeting.

At the meeting, Koo will highlight the solid fundamentals of the Korean economy and efforts to enhance its medium- to long-term growth potential to address structural challenges. He will also offer his views on key global economic issues, such as debt and imbalances, according to the sources.