People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Chang Dong-hyuk has departed for the United States with just over 50 days remaining before local elections, drawing criticism from within his own party. The backlash is growing as he left three days earlier than originally scheduled without providing a clear explanation for the change.
Kim Dae-sik, head of the party leader's advisory group, dismissed questions about the early departure on Tuesday, saying it was due to "a flood of requests for private meetings." He explained that "requests poured in from across U.S. political circles to meet individually with the party leader, so he departed two days early." Without disclosing specific meeting counterparts or schedules, Kim said, "We will reveal the full U.S. itinerary at the press briefing with correspondents."
Chang was originally scheduled to visit the U.S. starting January 14 for a four-day, two-night trip, but his sudden departure on January 11 extended the trip to seven days and five nights. On Tuesday (local time), Chang is scheduled to pay respects at the Korean War Veterans Memorial and meet with Republican Representatives Ryan Zinke and Young Kim. In the evening, he will meet with Republican Korea Caucus members including Joe Wilson and attend a gathering with Korean-American residents. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to deliver a speech at the International Republican Institute (IRI), a nonprofit organization led by Republican lawmakers. He will then visit the White House and the State Department. When asked whether Chang would meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Kim said, "I cannot comment as it is confidential."
With local elections approaching and no clear reason given for the early departure, internal criticism has mounted. PPP lawmaker Joo Ho-young said, "There's no justification for going, and because it's not aboveboard, he posted on social media only after departing," adding, "This is very strange."
Even the party leadership appeared unaware of the early departure beforehand. Supreme Council member Yang Hyang-ja said, "I found out through social media. I didn't even know Supreme Council member Kim Min-su was accompanying him," calling it "a regrettable move."
Kim, the advisory group head, responded to criticism surrounding the U.S. visit by invoking the Confucian saying "the ruler acts as ruler, the minister as minister, the father as father, the son as son." He drew a line, saying, "In a party, there are tasks for the party leader, tasks for the floor leader, and tasks for provincial party chairs and lawmakers. The local elections are proceeding on schedule."
