CEO Jang Dong-hyuk's attendance at the ‘IDU Forum 2025’ is imminent. Jang Dong-hyuk via Facebook

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is reportedly contemplating attending the ‘IDU Forum 2025’ to be held in Washington, D.C.

The IDU (International Democracy Union) Forum is an event where leaders of global conservative parties gather to discuss democracy-related policies. This year, it will take place in Washington from December 2nd to 4th.

As the forum is actively supported by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a think tank associated with U.S. President Donald Trump, it is highly likely that President Trump will attend.

This period coincides with the first anniversary of the December 3rd emergency martial law and Jang's 100th day in office. Although Jang has received an invitation to the IDU Forum, he has yet to make a final decision between holding a 100-day anniversary press conference or traveling to the United States.

However, with key Republican figures, including President Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, expected to attend, public opinion suggests that if Jang attends, it would greatly facilitate the establishment of a communication channel between South Korea and the U.S.

According to an associate of Jang, "As of now, there are no plans to meet with President Trump. However, variables exist depending on the on-site situation and President Trump's choices, as he enjoys unexpected developments."

This forum holds significant importance for Jang himself as an opportunity to speak about South Korea's political crisis in his capacity as the leader of a conservative party.

On the 25th, while visiting the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Gumi City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jang emphasized, "If the liberal democratic system and constitutional order of the Republic of Korea are collapsing, and we, as the main opposition party and a conservative party, remain silent, then there is no reason for the existence of a conservative party."

Editorial Department, Hankyoreh-Ilbo