South Korean political, business leaders arrive in US ahead of Trump's inauguration

By Kim Joo-heon Posted : January 19, 2025, 15:14 Updated : January 21, 2025, 23:08
The official photo of President-elect Donald Trump released by Trumps transition team on Jan 15 2025
The official photo of President-elect Donald Trump released by the Trump transition team on Jan. 15, 2025.
SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Key political and business figures from South Korea have left for the U.S. as President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration approaches.

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. 
 
South Korean lawmakers including Kim Seok-ki first from the right Chairman of the National Assemblys Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee arrive in the US through Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on the 18th ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on the 20th local time
Kim Seok-ki (first from the right), chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, arrives at Washington Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., with his delegation on Jan. 18, 2025.
The delegation is also set to meet Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative Young Kim, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and Fred Fleitz, vice president of the America First Policy Institute.

Prominent figures in business circles will also participate in the ceremony. Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin arrived on Jan. 17, meeting with Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the president-elect. Chung is also set to attend the inauguration ball.
 
Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin speaks to reporters at JFK International Airport in New York on Jan 18 2025 Yonhap
Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin speaks to reporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Jan. 18, 2025. Yonhap
Bom Kim, the founder of South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang, will take part in the inauguration, dinner, and 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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Kim Joo-heon Reporter
Kim Joo-heon

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