Jang Holds Meetings with AFPI and Heritage Foundation in U.S., Vows to Strengthen South Korea-U.S. Alliance

Visits Planned to the White House and State Department
Concerns Growing Within the Party

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, who is currently visiting the United States, held a meeting on April 15 with major conservative think tanks, including the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and the Heritage Foundation. Jang stated, "Based on in-depth discussions, we will further strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

On the same day, through his social media, Jang said, "There is opportunity in crisis. The People Power Party will establish a new security strategy for South Korea to emerge as a global pivotal state," announcing his intentions. Jang had arrived in Washington, D.C. on April 11 (local time) and has been meeting with U.S. think tanks, as well as members of the House and Senate.

Regarding these meetings, Jang explained, "There were discussions on the direction of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, security and economic issues, energy issues, the threat posed by China, and the capabilities of our shipbuilding industry to supply vessels for the U.S. auxiliary fleet, covering a broad range of diplomatic and security topics." He added, "We must overcome various threats, including the energy crisis and security risks, through a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance."

Initially, Jang had planned a five-day, two-night visit to the U.S. from April 14 to 17, but he departed earlier, leaving on April 11. So far, he has met with Republican Congressman Darrell Issa and Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Chairman Gruters is known as an advocate of 'election integrity.' During his meeting with Jang and Supreme Council member Kim Minsoo, Gruters said, "Vote more, cheat less." Kim is also a co-chair of the party's Fair Election Task Force. Some view this narrative as a moderated version of so-called "election fraud theory," aimed at appealing to hardline conservatives.

Jang’s team is also scheduled to visit the White House and the State Department on April 15 (local time). It has been reported that they are seeking to meet with high-level officials through connections in religious circles. Accompanying lawmaker Kim Daesik previously met with Paula White, chair of the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, early last year.

Within the party, there are considerable concerns about Jang’s moves, with the local elections just 50 days away. One senior member of the People Power Party commented, "It is essentially aimed at far-right YouTubers and their supporters," adding, "He is preparing for the period after the election rather than the election itself." Another party official said, "It is good to meet with high-level figures," but added, "This is a separate issue from the election results."

Paek Hyeonjin, a lawmaker classified as pro-Korea faction, met with reporters in the afternoon and remarked, "The candidates are campaigning desperately, but is it really the time for the party leader, who is responsible for all the confusion, to be standing in front of the U.S. Capitol, taking photos with the Supreme Council member flashing a V sign?" She further commented, "Rather than focusing on the election, it seems he is trying to further solidify his support base for his own political trajectory after the elections."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.