Democratic lawmaker Jin Seong-joon secured a United States official A-2 diplomatic visa on the 31st, just three days after receiving a rejection notice from American authorities, clearing the way for a scheduled National Defense Committee inspection tour of the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii.
Visa Rejection Overturned Three Days After Initial Denial
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul issued the travel document to Jin, chairman of the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee, resolving a diplomatic hurdle that threatened to derail a parliamentary delegation’s itinerary. Jin announced the visa issuance via his social media account, describing the reversal as a welcome development.
The delegation’s trip involves four lawmakers: Jin, Democratic Party floor leaders Kim Byung-joo, People Power Party lawmaker Lim Chong-deuk, and New Reform Party legislator Chun Ha-ram. The lawmakers are scheduled to visit the U.S. Pacific Command from the 1st to 5th of next month.
Jin’s initial visa application was rejected on the 28th. At the time, Jin criticized the U.S. decision publicly, stating that it ignored the standing of the South Korean parliament and undermined mutual respect and trust.
Historical Security Convictions Eyed as Rejection Catalyst
American authorities did not publicly disclose the specific grounds for the initial visa refusal. However, it was suggested that Jin’s 1991 conviction under the National Security Act, which carried a three-year prison sentence and three-year suspension of qualifications, likely influenced the American vetting process. The denial arrived on the heels of a separate incident involving Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Chung-rae, whose delayed U.S. visa processing forced schedule changes during parliamentary audits. The combined setbacks prompted the People Power Party to launch political attacks, characterizing the situation as a security disaster that flashed warning signs for the bilateral alliance.
Throughout the standoff, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained contact with U.S. counterparts without declaring the administrative process concluded. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun previously stated that the government would request swift visa processing for the visiting lawmakers.
Scheduled Departure for Hawaii Security Talks
With the A-2 diplomatic visa secured, the defense delegation’s travel timeline remains unchanged. Jin confirmed plans to depart on the afternoon of the 1st to meet with the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command and other American military leaders.
The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral security cooperation centered on national interests and advancing a future-oriented alliance between Seoul and Washington. The parliamentary delegation will conclude its inspection activities in Hawaii on the 5th.
