Ruling party lawmaker expresses deep regret over U.S. visa delay

Rep. Jung Chung-rae, a member of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party, expressed deep regret on Tuesday over a visa delay that prevented his participation in a parliamentary audit of Seoul's diplomatic missions in Washington. Initially scheduled to join the audit team on the U.S. trip earlier in the month, Jung was compelled to join the Europe audit team as his visa application remained under review before his planned departure.

Speaking during a parliamentary audit, Jung emphasized his deep regret regarding the U.S. authorities' handling of the matter, highlighting his efforts to foster friendly relations between Seoul and Washington. He explained that he had no alternative but to switch to the Europe audit team due to concerns about not being able to participate in the parliamentary audit at all.

Additionally, Jung expressed regret that the main opposition party had turned the visa issue into a controversy about deteriorating ties in the South Korea-U.S. alliance, urging both parties to set aside their differences and protest to the U.S. about the situation.