People Power Party Criticizes 'Blind' Korea-U.S. Customs Negotiations Without Agreement, Urges Immediate Disclosure of Negotiation Documents

"Only Photos Remain from Korea-China Summit, No Joint Statement"

On November 2, the People Power Party criticized the government's follow-up consultations on the Korea-U.S. customs negotiations, which the government announced had been concluded on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The party called it a "blind negotiation" and a "reckless settlement," pointing out that there was no agreement document, joint statement, or signature.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on October 27, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Chief Spokesperson Choi Boyoon stated in a commentary that "confusion is growing as the United States presented a conflicting position just one day after the government announced the conclusion of the Korea-U.S. customs negotiations," questioning, "Was the negotiation really concluded?"

He also referred to National Security Office Director Wi Sunglak's statement that the "detailed text of the customs negotiation fact sheet is being adjusted," criticizing, "The government has effectively admitted that the negotiations it claimed were 'concluded' are in fact incomplete, with no document, no signature, and no finalized agreement."

He emphasized, "The government must immediately release the negotiation document and explain it transparently to the public," adding, "Only when the public is convinced can it truly be called a 'conclusion.'"

Regarding the issue of introducing nuclear-powered submarines discussed at the Korea-U.S. summit, he pointed out, "If the core technology and construction leadership are all in the hands of the United States and Korea has only proceeded with fuel supply consultations, it would be more accurate to describe this as the beginning of discussions on nuclear-powered submarines, not an approval for nuclear-powered propulsion."

The People Power Party also commented on the Korea-China summit, stating, "The meeting left only photographs, with no joint statement-the true proof of an agreement between leaders." Spokesperson Lee Choonghyeong remarked in a commentary, "The government said that 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula' was a major agenda item immediately after the Korea-China summit, but there was not a single mention of denuclearization in any Chinese media reports," raising doubts about whether the issue was properly discussed.

He stressed, "The roadmap for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is determined more by the realities of power than by willingness for dialogue," and urged, "The government must make strategic efforts to ensure that China acts as a responsible party in the denuclearization process."