Amid the aftermath of martial law and the lack of a government-level channel in South Korea to engage the second Trump administration, lawmakers and business leaders are expected to lead diplomatic efforts through the inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Monday.
A delegation from the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, led by Chairman Kim Seok-ki, is set to discuss North Korea’s nuclear issue and economic cooperation with Trump administration officials. The group includes seven lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties.
Prominent figures in business circles will also participate in the ceremony. Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin arrived on Jan. 17, meeting with Trump Jr., the eldest son of the president-elect. Chung is also set to attend the inauguration ball.
Poongsan Group chairman Ryu Jin boarded a flight on Saturday to participate in the inauguration. The defense firm develops and supplies various types of ammunition, from 5.56 mm small-caliber rounds to 155 mm howitzer shells. Ryu also chairs the Federation of Korean Industries.
SM Group chairman Woo Oh-hyun, a major player in construction and shipping, and SPC Group chairman Hur Young-in, a leader in the bakery industry, will attend the event.
Hyundai Motor Group has donated $1 million to the inauguration event. Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon and CEO Jose Munoz, currently in the U.S., will attend the pre-inauguration dinner.
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