The focus of Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha’s meetings with government officials is likely to be the Coupang dispute, changes to Korea’s network law and shipbuilding cooperation
South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha speaks to foreign correspondents at the Korean Embassy in Washington on July 8, 2026. (Kim Won-chul/Hankyoreh)
South Korean Ambassador to the US Kang Kyung-wha will return home this week to discuss a host of pending security, economic and trade issues with Washington in meetings with key government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Ministry spokesperson Park Il on Tuesday told a regular briefing that Kang will visit from Wednesday through Sunday under instructions from Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to hold working consultations on overall relations with the US, including with relevant ministries. “The main purpose is to listen to suggestions and candid opinions from the head of mission on advancing bilateral ties,” he said.For an ambassador who deals with the US government and Congress on-site to return home to discuss pending issues is considered unusual. The reason for her visit is said to stem from slow progress in security negotiations, investment in the US, and shipbuilding cooperation as agreed on by both presidents in November last year, not to mention heightened tension over the Coupang scandal and the amendment to Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act.No date has been set for a second round of negotiations on expanding Korea’s rights to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel, as well as Seoul’s bid to build its own nuclear-powered submarines, since the first meeting last month.Apart from the sources of friction between the two countries, talks with Kang are also expected to cover US President Donald Trump’s proposal to President Lee Jae Myung at the Group of Seven summit on whether Seoul could build 10 warships for the US Navy. Because multiple ministries are part of negotiations with the US, Seoul will seek a solution after the ambassador explains Washington’s position.After flying into Korea on Wednesday, Kang is scheduled to hold meetings with Cho, followed by those with officials from the National Security Office; the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, which oversees investment in the US; the Ministry of National Defense, which is handling the proposed return to Seoul of wartime operational control; and the Ministry of Science and ICT.By Jang Ye-ji, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
