Hwang Jang-yeop’s U.S. Visit Soon Permitted

Director of the National Intelligence Service Ko Yeong-ku said Thursday at the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly that the Korean government will permit former DPRK Worker`s Party secretary Hwang Jang-yeop`s visit to the U.S. when close coordination between the two nations reaches its final stages, as the U.S. State Department sent letters to guarantee the safety of Hwang during his stay.

Director Ko said that during the previous administration, Hwang`s visit to the U.S. was permitted only when the U.S. government or Congress invited him and his safety was guaranteed.

Director Ko said however that the current administration will allow the visit to the U.S. by the invitation of an individual if the U.S. employs proper measures to guarantee his safety while in the country.

Sung-Won Park swpark@donga.com