Trump's closest aide visits South Korea to discuss economic cooperation with South Korean business leaders

With the US presidential election just six months away, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican who is considered one of candidate Donald Trump's closest aides, visited South Korea.
On the 23rd, the Korea Business Association held a conference at the FKI Tower Convention Center in Yeouido, Seoul, inviting Kevin and other key Korean business leaders.
Kevin and around 20 high-ranking business people, mainly the presidents of South Korea's top 10 companies, gathered at the breakfast meeting to discuss ways for economic cooperation between the US and South Korea.
Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Business Association, said in his opening remarks, "With the US presidential election being closely watched by the whole world, it is important to strengthen the bond between the Korean business community and US opinion leaders.
"We urgently need to have a deep dialogue with the United States," he said, explaining the purpose of holding the meeting. He continued, "The United States is Korea's largest investor and largest export destination," and "Korea's direct investment in the United States is
"It has made a great contribution to job creation in the country," he emphasized. Kevin is a typical "pro-Korea" person. He was also known for leading the Republican Party's support behind the scenes when the US-Korea FTA (Free Trade Agreement) was concluded.
It is well known that, during President Yoon Seok-yeol's state visit to the United States last year, he invited President Yoon to deliver a parliamentary speech as the Speaker of the House of Representatives at that time.
"With the US presidential election coming up, it could play an important role in the US policy-making process," said Kim Bon-man, head of the international affairs department at the Korea Economic Forum.
"It is extremely important that we have the opportunity to convey the views of the Korean business community directly to opinion leaders in the industry."