The political turmoil in South Korea is forcing companies to step forward and confront the threat of US tariffs. As President Yoon Suk yeol falls into an impeachment crisis, the government's ability to respond to US trade policies is severely limited. In this context, South Korean business leaders took the initiative to hire former Trump aides and lobby Republican states in an attempt to resolve the potential tariff crisis. This political storm not only tests the resilience of the long-term alliance between South Korea and the United States, but also makes South Korean companies realize that relying on the government is no longer sufficient to meet current challenges.

Political turmoil intensifies corporate sense of crisis

South Korea is experiencing its most severe political crisis in decades. After President Yoon Suk yeol was impeached, the ability of the interim government was limited, making it difficult to effectively respond to changes in US trade policy. At the same time, the Trump administration's aggressive tariff measures have put pressure on South Korean companies. Last year, the US market accounted for nearly 20% of South Korea's exports, making the South Korean economy highly vulnerable to tariff fluctuations. Corporate executives have expressed that the government lacks specific plans on how to negotiate with Trump, forcing them to find solutions on their own.

Enterprises take the initiative to seek ways to break through the situation

Faced with the government's incompetence, the South Korean business community acted quickly. A delegation consisting of giants such as Samsung, LG, SK, and Hyundai went to Washington to meet with US Commerce Secretary Lutnik, attempting to ease tariff pressure through lobbying and investment commitments. In addition, the company has hired former aides of Trump in an attempt to influence US policies through "internal channels". Analysts point out that such corporate led diplomatic actions are rare in South Korean history, highlighting the urgency of the current crisis.

Subtle changes in the relationship between South Korea and the United States

The government of Yoon Seok yeol previously advocated for a closer alliance with Washington, but this has instead increased South Korea's dependence on the US market. Nowadays, the political turmoil has further intensified the uncertainty of South Korea US relations. Acting President Choi Sang mu admitted that the interim government has limited bargaining power in negotiations with the United States and can only rely on energy imports and investments as negotiation tools. At the same time, the Trump administration's tariff policies are more rapid and unpredictable than ever before, leaving much less room for maneuver for South Korea.

Future outlook: The combination of political crisis and economic risk

The South Korean court is expected to make a ruling on the impeachment of Yoon Seok yeol in March. If he is dismissed, South Korea will hold a new presidential election within 60 days. However, regardless of the outcome, it remains uncertain whether the new government will continue the current interim government's commitment to the United States. This political uncertainty has made businesses more concerned and further highlighted South Korea's vulnerability in dealing with US trade policies.

conclusion

The political turmoil in South Korea not only shakes domestic stability, but also puts companies in a passive position in the international trade war. Faced with the government's inability, enterprises have to take "self-help" actions, attempting to resolve the tariff crisis through lobbying and investment. However, the future of South Korea US relations is still full of variables, and the combination of political crises and economic risks may make it difficult for South Korea to get out of the predicament in the short term. This tariff breakout battle not only tests the resilience of South Korean companies, but also profoundly affects the direction of the long-term alliance between South Korea and the United States.

The political turmoil in South Korea, the presidential impeachment case, and possible elections have raised doubts about policy continuity. Market concerns about political stability in South Korea will weaken investor confidence and put pressure on the Korean won in the short term. The uncertainty of US tariff policies and the inability of the South Korean government to respond to trade negotiations may further undermine confidence in an export-oriented economy, leading to a depreciation of the Korean won. However, in the long run, the trend of the Korean won will depend on the level of political stability, progress in resolving trade issues, and the global economic environment. If South Korea can effectively respond to internal and external challenges, the Korean won is expected to gradually stabilize and rebound; On the contrary, the Korean won may continue to be under pressure and face further depreciation risks.