Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol (left) arrives at Incheon Airport on Sunday to depart for a Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in the United States. (Ministry of Finance and Economy) Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol nearly canceled his trip to the United States on Sunday after learning at the airport that he would be replaced in a Cabinet reshuffle. He ultimately boarded the flight as scheduled, concluding that he remained responsible for official duties until his successor took office.Koo departed from Incheon Airport on Sunday morning to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.While waiting to board, Koo was informed that he was among the officials being replaced in the reshuffle and initially moved to cancel the trip. The presidential office announced around 11:30 a.m. that First Vice Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il had been nominated as his successor.Koo nevertheless decided to proceed with the trip, as he remains responsible for official duties until his successor is formally appointed.He was also understood to have concluded that canceling scheduled bilateral meetings with senior officials, including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, would not serve the national interest.At the G20 meeting, Koo is expected to highlight the Korean economy’s sound fundamentals and the government’s efforts to strengthen its long-term growth potential. His bilateral meetings, including talks with Bessent, will proceed as planned.