South Korea’s main opposition party defended leader Jang Dong-hyeok following criticism over his recent US trip expenses. According to official records, Jang spent roughly 206 million won during his ten-day visit. This trip occurred between April 11 and 20, shortly before the June local election.
Initially, the party budgeted 204 million won, covering airfare, accommodations and various local expenses combined. However, additional costs emerged afterward, while some funds were later returned to the party. Ultimately, total expenses settled around 206 million won following these budget adjustments.
Responding to backlash, the People Power Party insisted this budget remained smaller than previous leaders’ trips. Specifically, officials cited rising oil prices linked to regional conflict and broader inflationary pressures. Additionally, they noted Jang personally covered costs for several supplementary scheduled events himself.
To support their defense, the party compared Jang’s spending against previous conservative leaders’ international trips. For instance, former leader Kim Gi-hyeon spent 218 million won during a shorter US visit in 2023. Similarly, past leader Kim Moo-sung spent 239 million won during a comparable trip in 2015.
Furthermore, the party highlighted spending by an opposing party’s former floor leader for context. That comparison involved 317 million won spent during a brief three-day trip to Japan.
Despite these budget defenses, critics still labeled Jang’s US trip largely unproductive and poorly timed. Specifically, he departed just two months before a critical local election nationwide. Moreover, he reportedly failed to secure meetings with key American government officials as promised.
Several lawmakers accompanied Jang throughout this trip, including party Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo. Additionally, Representatives Cho Jung-hun, Kim Dai-sik and Kim Jang-kyom joined the delegation traveling together.
Moving forward, this controversy raises broader questions about political spending transparency and campaign timing decisions. Given ongoing scrutiny, opposition officials may face continued pressure to justify similar international trips going forward.
