Message on 'Gye-eom Party' Created by the Presidential Office
Deputy Spokesperson Communicates to Foreign Media... "Fact-Checking Underway"
Jo Tae-yeol and Kim Jun-hyung Also Clash Over US Position
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul announced a plan to actively utilize the private sector to supplement the network with the team of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to regain power in January next year.
Cho Tae-yeol, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is attending the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 16th, during the plenary session of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Minister Cho said in response to a question from Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party of Korea, "Since there is somewhat less political momentum, I think it is necessary to supplement the network and communication issues with the Trump team by utilizing private sector connections and momentum." He also responded to a question from Kim Gun of the People Power Party by saying, "I am considering strengthening the public-private cooperation system to revive the momentum."
In his briefing on current issues that day, Minister Cho stated that he is making efforts to manage foreign relations stably, including strengthening communication with major countries after the emergency martial law situation. He explained, "We are coordinating a call to discuss cooperation measures under the acting authority system with U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken," and added that he will also maintain close communication with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
During the meeting, there was also criticism that Deputy Spokesperson Yoo Chang-ho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent an inappropriate message to some foreign media. This message, which conveyed the presidential office’s explanation of the 'martial law party' intent, was sent to foreign media on the 5th.
According to the content disclosed by Representative Kim Young-bae, the message explained that the declaration of emergency martial law was an 'inevitable response' to forces obstructing the budget and undermining national security. It included phrases such as "The Democratic Party’s legislative rampage has gone too far in manipulating state affairs." The presidential office is known to have stated on the 4th, during inquiries from foreign media about the martial law declaration process, that the declaration was made within the bounds of the constitution.
Minister Cho said, "This is not the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," and added, "We will ascertain the facts."
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol is responding to questions from lawmakers at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
Furthermore, the claim by Representative Kim Jun-hyung of the Innovation Party that U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg reported to his home country on the day of the martial law declaration that "we cannot associate with the Yoon Seok-yeol government" because he could not reach Minister Cho and other Korean diplomatic authorities sparked controversy again. The U.S. Embassy has denied this claim as completely untrue.
Minister Cho questioned, "What was the English expression for 'cannot associate'?" and Representative Kim responded, "The word is not important; in a situation where contact was not possible, do you think the report to the U.S. would have been positive?" Minister Cho then countered, "We must be cautious when publicly disclosing even the same story," leading to a heated exchange.
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