▲ South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha (R) speaks to reporters at the foreign ministry in Seoul on July 15, 2026. (Yonhap)

By Park Boram

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha's trip home is part of the government's efforts to gather input on ways to develop Seoul-Washington ties, the presidential office said Wednesday.

Cheong Wa Dae made the remarks as Kang returned to Seoul earlier Wednesday for a five-day visit for what the foreign ministry called "consultations" with relevant government agencies.

The ministry has noted her trip comes at the instruction of Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.

Still, Kang's unexpected trip home has triggered speculation that diplomatic issues between Seoul and Washington may have reached a point requiring immediate handling, possibly over Washington's displeasure with Seoul's investigation into a massive data leak at U.S.-listed e-commerce giant Coupang.

A presidential official said Kang's trip is part of Seoul's efforts to "listen to proposals or candid opinions from the chief of the diplomatic mission (to the U.S.) on ways to develop bilateral relations."

In Seoul, the ambassador plans to brief the foreign minister and hold consultations with officials from Cheong Wa Dae and other relevant ministries, the official added.

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