On October 31, lawmakers clashed over the issuance of a U.S. visa to Jin Sung-jun, the chairman of the National Assembly's Defense Committee. The People Power Party criticized the visa approval process, which required additional documentation after an initial denial, calling it a "diplomatic embarrassment" and demanding an apology from Jin. The Democratic Party countered that the ruling party was engaging in "anti-national behavior" by politicizing official security diplomacy.
Park Seong-hoon, the chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in a commentary that it was unprecedented for the chairman of the National Assembly's Defense Committee to be asked to submit an English translation of a past conviction under the National Security Law and a criminal record report before receiving entry approval. He described this as a "national disaster" and a significant diplomatic failure.
Park continued his criticism by referencing Jin's past actions, suggesting that if Jin had not previously referred to allied forces as "occupying troops" and advocated for armed revolution with North Korean support, this diplomatic incident could have been avoided. He insisted that instead of expressing relief over the delayed visa issuance, Jin should apologize to the public for undermining the credibility of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
He added, "Although Jin may board a flight to Hawaii as if nothing happened now that the visa has been issued, the bitter reality of the 'creaking U.S.-South Korea alliance' revealed by this incident cannot be erased."
The Democratic Party responded by asserting that the People Power Party prioritized political conflict over the legitimate legislative activities of its own members.
Lee Joo-hee, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, stated in a written briefing that the People Power Party shifted blame to Jin instead of addressing the U.S. visa denial. She questioned, "How can they attack their own member when legitimate legislative activities are being hindered? Is national interest not a concern for them?"
Lee criticized the People Power Party's attitude of not even demanding an explanation from the U.S. regarding the actions that obstructed official parliamentary activities, labeling it as "subservient sycophancy."
She emphasized that People Power Party lawmaker Lim Jong-deuk would also participate in the upcoming visit to the U.S. Lee argued, "Turning security diplomacy, which includes their own party member, into a political issue and mocking the official activities of the Defense Committee chairman is an anti-national self-harm that undermines the dignity and authority of the National Assembly."
Lee urged the People Power Party to cease its attacks on the alliance for political gain and to apologize for belittling the official legislative activities of the National Assembly.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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