The People Power Party (PPP) has criticized the abrupt dismissal of former Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, calling it an "unimaginable way to run a state."

PPP Spokesperson Cho Yong-sul made the remarks in a commentary, asking, "How can you leave such a critical position responsible for negotiating with foreign countries on the line of national interest vacant like this without even providing a specific reason?"

Cho said, "The Lee Jae-myung administration promised a 350 billion dollar investment in the U.S. last year without national consensus, and is now facing pressure from the U.S. to accelerate its implementation." He added, "Yet, they have abruptly cut off the chief commander who has been responsible for those negotiations without any explanation."

"The government is keeping its mouth shut without revealing the specific reason for dismissal, citing 'the discretion of the appointing authority.' What kind of secret are they trying to hide?" he urged, demanding that the government clearly explain to the public why it replaced the trade commander without an alternative in the middle of trade negotiations with the U.S.

Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok also posted on Facebook, expressing concern by saying, "Reports are emerging about pressure from the Trump administration regarding U.S. investments, and amidst this, the government dismissed Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo." He added, "Regardless of the reason for the dismissal, this is a measure that the U.S. side will inevitably misunderstand."

Lee stated, "Promptly appoint a successor to the trade minister to ensure there is no vacuum in negotiations with the U.S.," and warned, "If a crack forms in diplomacy with the U.S., it will deal a blow to the South Korean economy greater than the stock market turmoil we experienced a few weeks ago."

(Photo: Yonhap News)