MINJU Expresses Regret to US Over 'Visa Hold for Jung Chung-rae': "Restricting Ally's Legitimate Parliamentary Activities"

The Democratic Party of Korea (MINJU) expressed deep regret over the delay in US visa issuance that forced Representative Jung Chung-rae, a former party leader, to change his parliamentary audit schedule, saying, "We express deep regret that legitimate parliamentary activities have been obstructed."

Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-joon said in a written briefing today (October 9), "Ahead of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's parliamentary audit of overseas diplomatic missions in the United States, Representative Jung's visa issuance was put on hold. With the visa remaining in 'under review' status—neither approved nor denied—Representative Jung ultimately had to change his itinerary to the audit in Europe."

Senior Spokesperson Park said, "Representative Jung is a four-term veteran lawmaker and former leader of the ruling party," adding, "He is a lawmaker who has continuously communicated with the United States more than anyone, including conducting the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit in the US in 2012. Restricting even an allied parliament's government audit does not align with the forward-looking values of the alliance."

Senior Spokesperson Park urged, "We hope the diplomatic authorities of South Korea and the United States will step forward promptly and actively to resolve the issue," adding, "We expect that this matter will not leave unnecessary misunderstandings in the solid trust between South Korea and the United States."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.