People Power Party Chief Policy Deputy Floor Leader Kim Eun-hye (Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Ju-sung = People Power Party Chief Policy Deputy Floor Leader Kim Eun-hye (right) speaks during a floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on June 20. 2025.6.20 utzza@yna.co.kr

On the 22nd, the People Power Party criticized President Lee Jae-myung’s state visits to Japan and the United States, accusing him of practicing "tightrope diplomacy" between the U.S. and China.

During a floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, People Power Party Chief Policy Deputy Floor Leader Kim Eun-hye stated, "It is reported that President Lee is sending a special delegation to China right before his summit with the U.S." She added, "He is meeting with Trump, yet he is treading carefully to avoid offending Xi Jinping. Stop this dangerous tightrope walk."

She continued, "The United States is likely examining the new leftist government of South Korea from various angles to understand its stance on security and trade," arguing that "amateurish, makeshift measures that swap masks of being pro-American only when necessary cannot secure Korea’s future in ruthless negotiations."

Regarding Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s decision to cancel his attendance at the South Korea-Japan summit and depart for the U.S. the previous day, she remarked, "Such a rushed move is not something to be taken lightly."

Rep. Kim Gunn, ranking member of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, also pointed out, "(Minister Cho) abandoned President Lee’s first visit to Japan, which takes place tomorrow in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and left for the U.S." He added, "Isn't it unrealistic from the start to expect proper coordination in a diplomatic vacuum where there is no U.S. ambassador to negotiate with high-level U.S. officials?"

Rep. Kang Min-kuk, ranking member of the National Policy Committee, mentioned the op-ed written by Fair Trade Commission Chairperson nominee Joo Byung-ki that criticized the U.S. government’s tariff policy, asking, "What kind of trust can a president who appoints such figures gain as a diplomatic partner?" Yonhap News