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PPP leader claims to have established 'hotline' with U.S. Republican Party, rejects criticism of visit

Published: 20 Apr. 2026, 18:12

Jang Dong-hyeok, the leader of the People Power Party, speaks during a press briefing at the National Assembly on April 20 after returning from a 10-day visit to the United States earlier that day. [LIM HYUN-DONG]

Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok said on Monday that he has established a “hotline” with key members of the U.S. Republican Party during his recent visit to the United States, rejecting criticism from within and outside his party that the trip may have been fruitless and badly timed.

Jang of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) made the remarks at a press conference held shortly after he returned from a 10-day visit to the United States.

The trip was widely panned, as it took place less than two months before the June 3 local elections and produced a viral photo of what critics said looked like Jang and PPP Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo posing for a photo shoot in front of the Capitol building in Washington.

“I met and listened to the opinions of many people in the U.S. government, Congress and the U.S. establishment and fully conveyed our position as well,” Jang said during the press conference at the National Assembly, though he declined to name specific individuals.

“I established an actual hotline with key members of the U.S. Republican Party and created a foundation of trust to hold up the shaky Korea-U.S. alliance,” he added.

Jang said he visited the United States for the sake of the local elections, as he believes that voters should judge the PPP for its efforts to repair ties with the United States at a time when the Lee Jae Myung administration is continuously causing “problems” in the relationship.

“Going forward, if a situation arises in which the PPP's role is needed, I will personally communicate with the United States and lead the resolution of the problem,” he said.

Regarding the viral photo, Jang said that it was taken in the brief moment after he and Kim had completed their itinerary at Congress and before they began their next engagement.

“I hope that a single photo that we did not officially disclose does not overshadow all the achievements of my U.S. trip,” he said.

Yonhap