Song Young-gil on his way to the US: "I will find a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations negotiations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, embarked on a 4-night, 6-day trip to the United States on the 19th. Leader Song is scheduled to meet with U.S. foreign and security policy officials in Washington DC to discuss issues related to the Korean Peninsula.

Before departing for the U.S. from Incheon International Airport that morning, Leader Song told reporters, “In order to find a breakthrough in the deadlocked North Korea-U.S. relations and inter-Korean negotiations, we will share opinions between Korea and the U.S.,” adding, “I will engage in broad discussions through meetings with U.S. congressional leaders, think tank officials, and journalists.”

He raised his voice, saying, “The overseas Korean voter turnout was only 9% in the last presidential election. I strongly urge the opposition party once again to introduce mail-in voting on this occasion,” and added, “It is regrettable that the opposition party is very passive, citing the credibility of mail-in voting in some regions.”

Leader Song will meet with Kurt Campbell, White House National Security Council (NSC) Indo-Pacific Coordinator, among others, in Washington DC. Discussions are expected to cover comprehensive strengthening of the Korea-U.S. alliance and ways to resume the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. He will also hold meetings with congressional officials such as Bob Menendez, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

This trip is his first since taking office as party leader in May. Chief Secretary Kim Young-ho, spokesperson Lee Yong-bin, and lawmaker Kim Byung-joo will accompany him.