Ambassador Kang's trip home aimed at gathering input on improving ties with Washington: presidential office - The Korea Times

South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha speaks to reporters at the foreign ministry in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha's trip home is part of the government's efforts to gather input on ways to develop Seoul-Washington ties, the presidential office said Wednesday.

Cheong Wa Dae made the remarks as Kang returned to Seoul earlier Wednesday for a five-day visit for what the foreign ministry called "consultations" with relevant government agencies.

The ministry has noted her trip comes at the instruction of Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.

Still, Kang's unexpected trip home has triggered speculation that diplomatic issues between Seoul and Washington may have reached a point requiring immediate handling, possibly over Washington's displeasure with Seoul's investigation into a massive data leak at U.S.-listed e-commerce giant Coupang.