Jinwook Jung: "Tariff Negotiations Should Be Concluded by the New Administration"

A Premature Settlement by the Transitional Cabinet Is an Irresponsible Act
Concerns Over Diplomatic and Trade Disasters... National Consensus Needed After Thorough Discussion

Jinwook Jung, Member of the National Assembly.

Jinwook Jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Gwangju Dongnam-gap), stated on April 20, "It is another abuse of authority for Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who does not have the authority to decide on tariff negotiations, to attempt to make such decisions." He added, "At this stage, the government should limit itself to a 'basic assessment' to thoroughly understand the position of the United States, and any substantive negotiations or agreements should be decided by a new administration with legitimacy and accountability."

In a statement released the same day, Jung said, "For a transitional cabinet with just over 40 days left to fully engage in tariff negotiations with the Trump administration is an irresponsible act that puts the national interest at risk." He continued, "Vice Prime Minister Choi Sangmok, who is an accomplice in the insurrection, and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Deokgeun's plan to visit the United States this week for tariff negotiations, without any prior coordination with the National Assembly, signals a hasty negotiation being pushed through unilaterally. This is a case of sacrificing the national interest for personal achievements."

He further criticized, "Prime Minister Han does not have the authority to finalize negotiations, and the current acting government clearly lacks both democratic legitimacy and political accountability. If such a government were to conclude tariff negotiations, it could directly lead to a second diplomatic and trade disaster, a possibility that must be taken very seriously."

Jung also warned, "Vice Prime Minister Choi Sangmok and Minister Ahn Deokgeun must officially report their negotiation plans to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly before departing for the United States. Any negotiations forced through at the end of an administration, using the national interest as collateral and without public consent, constitute dangerous diplomacy, and all responsibility will ultimately fall on these two officials and Prime Minister Han."

He emphasized, "What the current government should do is not to endanger the national interest by rushing into careless negotiations, but to comprehensively listen to the position of the United States and, after sufficient discussions with the National Assembly, political parties, and industry, consolidate national consensus. Based on those results, it is appropriate for the new administration to make the final decision, which would be in line with constitutional order and beneficial to the national interest."

Meanwhile, Jung added, "The Republic of Korea is a country whose fate is closely tied to trade, and trade policy is not a tool for a particular administration's achievements, but an area directly connected to the lives and future of the people. The Democratic Party of Korea will continue to work and fight steadfastly to protect the national interest in diplomacy and trade, and to safeguard the lives of the people."