PARK JIN YOUNG
The National Assembly reprimanded JYP Entertainment founder PARK JIN YOUNG for conducting personal activities while in the United States as part of a state-funded official visit last year, according to what the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchanges declared this Wednesday.
PARK JIN YOUNG holds the position of co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchanges, a public-private platform that facilitates the growth of Korean popular culture, ranging from K-pop to films and esports.
“Please clearly distinguish official schedules from personal or company-related activities when private sector committee members travel abroad for official business”, declared the parliamentary committee on culture, sports and tourism during its Tuesday meeting.
PARK JIN YOUNG traveled to New York and Los Angeles for eight nights and 11 days from November 13 to 23 of last year. His official schedule included meetings related to “Fanomenon”, a large-scale K-pop festival envisioned as the Korean version of Coachella.
The government-funded portion of the trip took place over five nights and six days, from November 13 to 18. PARK JIN YOUNG reportedly remained in the United States for personal activities after the end of his official schedule.
“All travel expenses and planning arrangements related to PARK JIN YOUNG’s trip were handled legally and in accordance with current laws and regulations”, declared the support team for the Committee on Popular Culture Exchanges. “PARK JIN YOUNG personally covered all expenses for the latter part of the trip, which was devoted to personal activities, including his return flight”.
Changes to PARK JIN YOUNG’s personal schedule and his delayed return after the official trip did not require separate prior approval according to applicable rules, given his status as a non-permanent member, according to the support team.
“Although no law or regulation was broken, we understand that this “warning” reflects the need for greater rigor and transparency in handling similar matters, given the strong public interest in the committee’s activities and their economic impact”, declared the support team.
“We will apply stricter and more transparent oversight to all administrative and budgetary matters, including official overseas trips”, it added.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Yonhap
