Returned Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha Says "Coupang Issue Lasting Longer Than Expected" (Comprehensive)

Returned on Minister Cho’s Directive

Likely to Meet Ministries Related to Korea-U.S. Investment

Kang Kyungwha, South Korea's Ambassador to the United States, who has temporarily returned to Korea to discuss pending Korea-U.S. issues, commented on the so-called "Coupang affair" on the 15th, saying, "This issue is lasting much longer than expected," and added, "While managing the Coupang matter, we are holding discussions at various levels to make progress on several issues agreed upon by both leaders."

Ambassador Kang Kyungwha is responding to reporters' questions as she enters the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 15th for a meeting with Minister Cho. Photo by Yonhap News

Ambassador Kang made these remarks when she met with reporters on her way into the annex of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Seoul Government Complex that afternoon.

This is the first time that Ambassador Kang, who began her post in the United States last October, has temporarily returned to Korea to discuss current operational affairs. She noted, "There are so many issues because Korea and the United States have an extremely close relationship," and explained, "There is naturally a difference in perspectives between those stationed in Washington, D.C. and those at headquarters, so I came to hear and convey headquarters' views."

Ambassador Kang plans to stay in Korea until the 19th, during which she will coordinate with relevant ministries on a wide range of Korea-U.S. current affairs, including follow-up measures to the Korea-U.S. joint explanatory materials (JFS) from the summit, as well as issues in diplomacy and economic security. It is reported that after her first meeting with Minister Cho that day, she will also have contacts with officials from several ministries, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of National Defense. She is also expected to meet with Wi Sunglak, policy chief at the Office of National Security at the Blue House.

It is somewhat unusual for Ambassador Kang, who is in charge of front-line Korea-U.S. diplomacy, to return temporarily for consultations with economic ministries. This appears to be related to the ongoing "Coupang affair," about which the U.S. has continuously expressed dissatisfaction. In addition, following the enforcement of Korea's Information and Communications Network Act from the 7th, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department voiced concern, stating it undermines freedom of expression. As follow-up security negotiations on the Korea-U.S. JFS have been progressing more slowly than initially expected, Ambassador Kang is also expected to ask relevant ministries to ensure that Korea-U.S. investment projects proceed in a timely manner.

When asked whether she also planned to meet with relevant ministries for Korea-U.S. investment projects, Ambassador Kang avoided giving a direct answer, saying, "We need to review the specific schedule." She elaborated, "Our Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the U.S. Department of Commerce are continuing their discussions, and since the Korean government is seeking to identify projects that meet commercial logic, I believe it will require some further discussion."

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