People Power Party on 'Pelosi Protocol Controversy': "If There Is Responsibility, Both Ruling and Opposition Parties Should Bear It"

Kim Hyeong-dong, Senior Spokesperson of the People Power Party, Holds Related Briefing at National Assembly Communication Office on the 4th
"Explains It Is a Visit Invited at the Parliamentary Level"

On the 4th, attendees are taking a commemorative photo after the joint press conference between National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held at the National Assembly main building. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] The People Power Party (PPP) has rebutted the Democratic Party of Korea's criticism of a 'diplomatic faux pas' regarding the absence of Korean protocol officials when Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, arrived at the airport.

Kim Hyung-dong, senior spokesperson for the PPP, held a briefing at the National Assembly communication office on the 4th and, when asked about terms like 'diplomatic faux pas' and 'protocol disaster,' said, "It is puzzling that the Democratic Party is raising this issue. The legislature operates with both ruling and opposition parties together, and Speaker Pelosi's visit is an inter-parliamentary exchange." He added, "If there is responsibility, it lies with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the National Assembly as a whole, including both ruling and opposition parties. To shift that responsibility to someone else is questionable."

Kim also stated, "I understand there is an ABC for receiving guests, and arrangements were likely made accordingly," adding, "Since this is a diplomatic matter, it is difficult to judge based solely on what is visible."

Regarding the absence of a meeting between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Speaker Pelosi, he explained, "It is a very delicate diplomatic matter," and noted, "This is a visit invited at the parliamentary level."

Meanwhile, in a statement released the same day, Kim emphasized, "Regarding Speaker Pelosi's visit to the National Assembly, the People Power Party will contribute to strengthening comprehensive cooperation in the Korea-U.S. alliance and building value solidarity between nations," and added, "The People Power Party and the Yoon Suk-yeol administration will do their utmost to expand the horizons of diplomacy based on principles and trust, and to rise as a global pivotal state that fulfills its responsibilities in the international community."