Venezuela crisis will have limited impact on S. Korean economy: gov't

U.S. President Donald Trump, center, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe watching a military operation against deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, Jan. 3. Courtesy of Trump's Truth Social account

The United States' recent attack on Venezuela and North Korea's ballistic missile launch are expected to have a limited impact on the South Korean economy, the finance ministry said Monday.

The assessment was made in an emergency meeting held to review the economic situation following the recent events, which was attended by officials from the finance, foreign and industry ministries, as well as the Bank of Korea and the Financial Services Commission.

The finance ministry said it will cooperate with related authorities to monitor and respond to further developments and any impact on financial markets and the economy.

On Saturday (U.S. time), U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a large-scale military strike, and will run the South American country until a safe and proper transition occurs there.

Shortly after the announcement, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea. The launch also came as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was set to depart for Beijing for summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.