The National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee has begun its audit of overseas diplomatic missions, amid rising tensions over allegations of restricted intelligence sharing and a visa issuance controversy affecting U.S.-South Korea relations.
On October 12, the committee will conduct its audit in three groups: the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The Americas group, led by Song Seok-jun of the ruling People Power Party, along with Democratic Party members Park Sung-jun and Maeng Seong-kyu, and independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, is expected to focus on allegations regarding restrictions on sharing information related to North Korea's nuclear program and the visa issuance controversy involving National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok and Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae.
The National Intelligence Service has denied reports that Lee's planned visit to the U.S. in March was canceled and that dozens of its agents were barred from entering the U.S. while investigating the Coupang incident. However, in June, the agency acknowledged that it was excluded from a trilateral meeting with the U.S. and Japan to address North Korean cyber threats, stating, "There were some misunderstandings, but that is in the past. Currently, there are no misunderstandings between the U.S. and South Korean intelligence authorities. The NIS is closely cooperating with the U.S. on all security matters, including cyber and North Korea issues."
Additionally, scrutiny is expected regarding the U.S. restrictions on sharing intelligence about North Korea. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung stated during a National Defense Committee audit on October 8 that while some information sharing is limited, it does not hinder overall preparedness.
Before departing, Song posted on Facebook expressing disappointment over Jeong's unexpected shift from the Americas group to the Europe group, stating, "I will investigate what circumstances led to this during the audit of the U.S. Embassy."
Jeong clarified that his U.S. visa is officially still "under review" and that he changed his travel plans to Europe due to Korean holidays and flight availability. He emphasized that premature conclusions and extreme claims do not benefit the U.S.-South Korea alliance or national interests. A Foreign Ministry official also stated that linking individual visa issues to the overall U.S.-South Korea relationship is inappropriate.
Meanwhile, Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young held a press conference, stating, "In the past year and one month, President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump have met four times. How can anyone claim that the alliance is in ruins when there is mutual respect and communication among allied leaders?"
However, the opposition parties, including the People Power Party, are calling for Jeong's resignation over controversial remarks he made regarding nuclear facilities in March. Jeong has characterized the criticism as politically motivated, but opposition pressure is expected to intensify.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.