The US State Department confirmed on Thursday that South Korea's main opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok met a top aide to the under secretary of state for public diplomacy during his Washington visit last week. The meeting, requested by Jang's delegation, highlighted US public diplomacy efforts, a spokesperson said. Jang had claimed to meet an 'assistant secretary'.
WASHINGTON — The US State Department confirmed Thursday that Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP), met Gavin Wax, chief of staff to Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, during his visit to Washington last week.
"At the request of the traveling delegation, ROK PPP Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok and his delegation were introduced to the Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Gavin Wax," the spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. "He highlighted our public diplomacy efforts in the America First State Department. The meeting underscored our commitment to meet with a range of interlocutors to effectively advance and represent U.S. interests."
After the trip, Jang released a photo showing him in talks with a US official, but only the official's back was visible, fueling speculation about the identity. Jang had claimed the meeting was with an "assistant secretary."
The State Department reiterated its approach of engaging various South Korean figures to promote US interests.
