Park Jin-young’s U.S. Trip Draws ‘Caution’; MCST Says It Was Handled Lawfully with ‘No Violations’
- Input
- 2026-09-02 18:47:37
- Updated
- 2026-09-02 18:47:37
[Financial News] Regarding a July 2 report by Sisa Journal that Park Jin-young, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange, received a caution from the National Assembly over a U.S. business trip that combined official duties with personal plans, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) explained, “All matters, including the disbursement of travel expenses and schedule adjustments, were handled lawfully in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.”
The MCST explained that day, “Chairman Park covered all expenses, including the return flight during the latter part of the trip, which consisted of personal plans.” It added, “As a non-full-time official, Park was not required under the regulations to obtain separate prior approval for changes to his personal schedule or a delayed return after the official trip had ended.”
Regarding the caution issued despite these circumstances, the MCST added, “Given the high level of public interest in committee activities linked to the trip and their economic impact, we understand that the caution was issued—even though there was no violation of the law—with the intention of managing similar work in the future more strictly and transparently than legally required.”
The committee stated, “Going forward, we will manage administration and budget execution, including official business trips, more strictly and transparently. At the same time, we will pursue projects to promote K-culture and international exchanges in popular culture in line with the committee’s founding purpose.”
Meanwhile, Park Jin-young was selected on September 9, 2025, as co-chair of the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange under the president. The committee officially launched on October 1 of the same year after appointing 26 civilian members. Park leads the committee together with Choi Hwi-young, minister of culture, sports and tourism.
[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter