Kang Hoon, the head of the Presidential Secretariat, arrived in Washington, D.C., the day before the Korea-U.S. summit. It is considered unusual for the head of the secretariat to accompany the summit.
On the 24th (local time), Kang noted his arrival at Dallas International Airport near Washington, D.C., explaining the reason for his visit to the U.S. by saying, "If I can meet even one more person and persuade them with even one more word, I felt I should come and fulfill my role and duty."
Typically, the head of the secretariat remains in the country to manage state affairs when the president departs, but this time, all three heads of the Presidential Office, including National Security Office Deputy Minister Wi Sung-lak and Policy Office Deputy Minister Kim Yong-beom, are away from the country.
Regarding the visit of the three Deputy Ministers, when asked whether negotiations over the summit agenda have encountered obstacles, Kang replied, "A better expression would be to understand that we are doing our utmost rather than using the term 'obstacles'."
Earlier, before his departure at Incheon Airport, Kang stated, "The success of this Korea-U.S. summit is extremely important," adding, "The public and private sectors are making every effort to support the success of the Korea-U.S. summit."
When asked whether Kang is scheduled to meet with his counterpart, White House Deputy Minister Suzie Wiles, and what the issues are, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "I will let you know after it's over."
When asked if he coordinated the schedule or agenda before the summit, he said, "Would I have come without coordination?" adding that, "I think saying no might be a problem."
Kang emphasized, "This Korea-U.S. summit is very important," stating, "The public and private sectors are working together with one heart and one mind." This comment is interpreted as a reference to the business leaders who visited the U.S. as part of a private delegation, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung, who concluded the Korea-Japan summit in Tokyo on the 23rd, also arrived at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the afternoon with his delegation, including Policy Office Deputy Minister Kim Yong-beom and National Security Office Deputy Minister Wi Sung-lak, and began his schedule in the U.S.
Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin urgently traveled to the U.S. on the 22nd, skipping a previously scheduled visit to Japan, and met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This led to speculation from some quarters that there may have been an unexpected situation arising before the summit.