Jang Donghyuk Extends U.S. Visit by Two Days at Request of State Department

Kim Minsu Remains in the U.S. to Accompany the Leader
"Meetings with Vance and Rubio Have Not Yet Materialized"

Jang Donghyuk, Chairman of the People Power Party, has decided to extend his visit to the United States by two days. According to the party, this decision was made at the request of the U.S. Department of State. However, it has been reported that meetings with senior U.S. government officials, such as Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have not yet been arranged.

Park Juntae, Chief of Staff to the People Power Party Chairman, met with reporters on the morning of April 17, immediately after a party strategy meeting, and explained, "Chairman Jang was initially headed to the airport to proceed with departure procedures, but due to special circumstances, he decided to extend his stay." Chairman Jang was originally scheduled to return to Korea through Incheon International Airport later that afternoon, after completing a seven-day, five-night trip to the United States.

Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the 'special circumstances' that delayed Chairman Jang’s return, Chief of Staff Park stated, "The specific details have not been confirmed, but he extended his schedule at the request of the U.S. Department of State." He added, "There have been media speculations about possible meetings with Secretary Rubio or Vice President Vance, but as far as I know, such meetings have not yet taken place."

During this visit to the United States, Chairman Jang met with key figures from the conservative bloc, including Joe Gruters, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Congressman Darrell Issa. He also engaged with major conservative think tanks such as the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), the Heritage Foundation, and the International Republican Institute (IRI). In addition, he visited the White House and the State Department and held discussions with officials from the U.S. National Security Council (NSC).

With the return schedule now postponed, Chairman Jang is expected to resume party work starting April 20. Chief of Staff Park said, "Chairman Jang is expected to arrive in Korea in the early hours of next Monday," and added, "He will have an opportunity to directly share the outcomes of his visit to the United States without much delay."

It has been reported that Supreme Council member Kim Minsu will accompany Chairman Jang for the additional schedule. Initially, Kim Daesik (Special Advisor), Kim Jangkyum (Chief of Political Affairs), and Assemblyman Cho Jeonghun also traveled to the United States, but only Supreme Council member Kim will remain on site. Chief of Staff Park commented on Kim's continued stay, "I believe he is fulfilling a necessary role."

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