People Power Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk and Supreme Council Member Kim Min-soo [SNS Capture]

Jang Dong-hyuk, the chairman of the People Power Party, who visited the United States about a month before the June 3 local elections, stated on the 20th that he traveled to the U.S. for the local elections, refuting criticisms from within and outside the party regarding his visit.

Chairman Jang made this announcement at a press conference held at the National Assembly this morning after completing his 8-day, 10-night trip to the U.S.

When asked if the party leader's absence with the local elections imminent meant he considered his visit to the U.S. more important than the elections, he replied, "The question is fundamentally flawed."

He added, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is continuously causing problems in its diplomatic relations with the U.S. In such cases, it is the role of the opposition party to step forward and show efforts to resolve these issues, and to be evaluated by the public for that effort. I believe that is a crucial part of the local elections."

"I met with many individuals from the U.S. government, Congress, and various circles to hear their opinions and faithfully conveyed our position," he said. "We have established a practical hotline with key figures in the U.S. Republican Party, creating a foundation of trust to support the wavering ROK-U.S. alliance."

He continued, "If a situation arises in the future where the People Power Party's role is needed, I will directly communicate with the U.S. and take the lead in resolving the issue."

When asked about the specific individuals he met from the U.S. administration and Congress, Chairman Jang evaded a direct answer.

"I held briefings and consultations on current affairs with the understanding that the identities of those I met and their positions would remain confidential," he stated. "According to diplomatic protocol, it is inappropriate to disclose this information."

He further commented, "It is because of officials like former Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who disregard diplomatic customs and arbitrarily disclose any secrets, that major problems arise in our relations with the U.S. and diplomatic issues occur."

Regarding the criticism that he went on a "overseas photoshoot" due to a photo taken with Supreme Council Member Kim Min-soo in Washington D.C., Chairman Jang explained, "It was taken while waiting briefly for the next schedule after completing official duties at Congress. I hope that a single photo we did not officially release does not overshadow the entire outcome of my visit."

He also responded to criticism from Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae that Chairman Jang failed to meet with "heavyweight figures" from the U.S. during his visit. "When the President and the Unification Minister have caused such diplomatic incidents, would any South Korean politician be easily granted a meeting in the U.S. if they were to visit now?" he retorted.

Furthermore, in response to pressure from some quarters to resign due to the decline in the party's approval ratings, he stated, "I am the representative chosen by the party members. I will decide on the necessary course of action based on the situation."

Chairman Jang departed on the 11th and returned this morning around 5 a.m. after completing his schedule in the U.S.