On April 11, Han Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, confirmed his early departure to the U.S., which came two days ahead of the original schedule due to additional meeting requests from the American side. The People Power Party countered criticisms that Han’s visit to the U.S. was a politically motivated trip ahead of local elections, asserting that it was a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Korea alliance and addressing economic issues.
On April 12, Choi Bo-yoon, the party’s chief spokesperson, explained during a press briefing at the National Assembly that Han left for the U.S. yesterday morning. He stated that after the party’s schedule was made public, it received several meeting requests from the U.S. This prompted us to move up the departure date.
Initially, Han planned to visit Washington, D.C., from April 14 to 16 for a two-night, four-day trip. During this visit, organized at the invitation of the International Republican Institute (IRI), he was expected to deliver a speech on the U.S.-Korea alliance and meet with key U.S. political figures, including Young Kim, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, along with other officials from both the House and Senate.
However, due to the additional requests from the U.S., he advanced his departure. According to the People Power Party, Han is still expected to return on Friday, April 17 as originally planned.
Accompanying Han on this visit are Representative Jo Jeong-hoon, secretary of the U.S.-Korea Congressional Alliance, Kim Dae-sik, head of the party’s special advisory team, Kim Min-soo, a senior member of the party, and the party’s international affairs director.
However, the People Power Party has maintained a non-disclosure stance regarding the specific U.S. officials Han will meet and the details of his schedule. Choi, the chief spokesperson, stated that there are quite a few informal meetings in the U.S., and due to diplomatic protocols, it asks for understanding that it cannot publicly disclose the individuals it will meet
The People Power Party also emphasized that this visit is not unrelated to the local election context. Choi explained that both the local election schedule and international affairs are crucial, asserting that collaborating with the U.S. on issues vital to the public will ultimately benefit the local elections and people’s livelihoods.
He continued that the most concrete achievement we can present to the public during the local elections is diplomacy that protects people’s livelihoods, adding that diplomacy that safeguards livelihoods and winning the local elections are interconnected.
In particular, the People Power Party aims to reinforce the strength of the U.S.-Korea alliance in the international community through this visit and plans to discuss responses to economic issues, including the repercussions of the Middle Eastern conflict and trade and tariff matters, with U.S. officials.
Choi noted that President Lee Jae Myung’s remarks on social media diplomacy have sparked international controversy, and there are concerns regarding the U.S.-Korea alliance, emphasizing the importance of affirming the unwavering strength of the alliance in the international community.
He also mentioned that they plan to gauge the U.S. stance on key issues such as trade, tariffs, and defense spending, stating that it aims to proactively strengthen communication channels at the level of conservative parties to alleviate the burdens faced by the businesses and citizens.
Choi added that with the surge in oil prices due to the Middle Eastern conflict and a shortage of packaging materials, small businesses are struggling. It plans to convey these challenges directly to the U.S. and share the awareness of global supply chain and energy security issues.
Han also announced his early departure on Facebook, highlighting the significance of the upcoming local elections. He stated that yesterday, he set off for Washington, the front line in protecting the world’s freedom, asserting that the June 3 local elections will become a significant front in the battle for freedom and democracy.
