On Tuesday, the People Power Party’s delegation to the United States, led by Representative Jang Dong-hyuk, announced their plans to meet with U.S. government and congressional officials to discuss Middle East issues and other matters.
The delegation, including lawmakers Cho Jung-hoon, Kim Dae-sik, and Kim Jang-gyeom, departed from Incheon International Airport that morning.
Before departure, Representative Cho informed reporters that they were leaving to engage with key U.S. government and congressional officials on critical issues concerning U.S.-South Korea relations.
Cho highlighted the ongoing crisis, stating that at this very moment, 26 of the ships and 173 Korean crew members are detained in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump continues to call out South Korea, demanding more from the alliance. Yet, the Lee Jae Myung administration seems content to wait out the storm, hiding behind vague promises of dialogue efforts.
Expressing concern over the administration’s priorities, Cho remarked that it’s worrying to see such a fixation on domestic issues to capture public attention. President Lee’s recent social media posts about Israel were a diplomatic disaster. He should keep his personal opinions to himself.
Cho emphasized that the president’s social media should reflect diplomacy befitting South Korea’s stature. Instead, it sees it filled with the president’s personal agenda. That’s why we’re embarking on this trip. As the main opposition party, it intends to prove the worth through actions, not just words.
Cho stressed the importance of this visit, saying that it’s crucial for the People Power Party to demonstrate its identity and capabilities as a viable alternative. It aims to return with clear evidence that the party excels in diplomacy and national security.
Regarding the vessel detentions in the Strait of Hormuz, Representative Kim Dae-sik stated that its delegation will actively seek cooperation from all congressional members during the visit. It’s committed to reinforcing the importance of the strong alliance with the U.S.
Meanwhile, Representative Jang had departed earlier on April 11, accompanied by Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo. The delegation is scheduled to return on April 17,