People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyuk said Thursday that he had "met with key officials from the White House, the State Department and other parts of the US government to exchange views on economic issues and opened communication channels for continued mutual cooperation," following his return from a 10-day trip to the United States. However, he refused to disclose specific details about whom he met or what was discussed, saying the meetings were held "on the condition of confidentiality."
Jang held a press briefing on his US trip at the National Assembly that day, saying, "I had deep concerns before deciding to travel to the US ahead of the local elections, and I anticipated the controversy it would cause." He added, "Nevertheless, I made this difficult decision because South Korea is facing a serious crisis due to a series of diplomatic failures by the Lee Jae-myung administration." He explained, "I consistently prioritized national interests and did my best to conduct strategic party diplomacy. I met with many people across the US government, Congress, and public sphere, listened to their views, and conveyed our positions."
Jang had initially planned to depart on the 14th for a four-day trip to the US. However, he abruptly left early on the 11th and delayed his return from the 17th, extending the trip to a total of 10 days.
"The US was strongly demanding that South Korea play a role commensurate with its economic and international stature, as the global situation rapidly changes amid the Iran war," he said. Regarding the outcomes of the trip, he said, "We had sufficient discussions on ROK-US coordination and cooperation measures to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We also exchanged candid views on issues that will determine the future of both economies, including trade negotiations."
He emphasized that he had established a practical hotline with key US Republican figures. "We have set up a channel where we can closely and quickly communicate and exchange views when important issues arise," he said.
He also said he had held meetings with State Department and administration officials. However, he said, "The briefing on current issues was held on the condition that whom I met and their ranks would not be disclosed," adding, "I do not think it is appropriate to disclose this given diplomatic conventions."
When asked whether he had decided that the US trip was more important than the elections, given his departure before the local elections, he pushed back, saying, "The question is wrong." Jang said, "I went to the US for the local elections," explaining, "The Lee Jae-myung government continues to cause problems in relations with the US, so I believe that having the opposition leader step forward to try to solve these issues and be evaluated by the public is part of the local election campaign."
He also directly rebutted the controversy over a photo taken with Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo, who accompanied him, in front of the US Capitol. "I don't know how that photo was released," Jang said. "The photo was taken while briefly waiting for the next schedule after an official event at Congress. If the controversial photo had been viewed in that context, it would not have been a problem." He added, "I hope one photo that was not officially released does not overshadow the entire outcome of the US trip."
Regarding calls from some lawmakers, including PPP Representative Bae Hyun-jin, for him to make a decision about his position, Jang drew a line by saying, "I am the leader chosen by party members." He said, "I will decide what steps are necessary depending on the situation." Targeting Bae, he added, "There are various controversies and issues surrounding her regarding the Seoul PPP nominations. Even so, I do not comment on her future."
On the Busan Buk-A nomination, for which former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has declared his candidacy, Jang said, "As the main opposition party, it is our basic duty to field competitive candidates in the by-election and get them elected."
