The Democratic Party of Korea launched a sharp attack on People Power Party leader Chang Dong-hyuk over his visit to the United States, saying "the reality of fact distortion that deceived the public beyond results-less diplomacy has been exposed."
Baek Seung-ah, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, said in a written briefing Monday that "Chairman Chang boasted of his achievements by releasing a photo showing only the back of a US State Department official at an official press conference, in an attempt to cover up the controversy over the White House commemorative photo."
"However, he ultimately hid the identity of the meeting counterpart and its contents, citing security reasons. There were no achievements to showcase from the outset," Baek said.
She continued, "The more serious problem is that media reports revealed the official was not an 'assistant secretary' but a 'chief of staff to the deputy secretary,' confirming that the original explanation was false." She added, "He later tried to contain the fallout by revising it to 'an official of assistant secretary rank,' but this is a clear fact distortion and deception of the public aimed at inflating achievements."
Baek also said, "Is it really true that the opposition leader of the Republic of Korea, one of the world's top 10 economies, returned from visiting the United States without meeting a minister, let alone a deputy minister or assistant secretary?" She added, "This is not a simple incident but a serious problem that has lowered the standing of our diplomacy and national dignity."
"It is utterly unacceptable for the leader of the main opposition party to politically package and distort even diplomatic matters involving national interests. This is a clear national diplomatic embarrassment that has damaged the Republic of Korea's standing," she added.
She further emphasized, "There must be a clear price to pay for deceiving the public. The responsibility for resolving this situation lies with Chairman Chang Dong-hyuk himself, and it must begin with an honest admission and a responsible apology."
