Kim Jin-pyo, Who Yielded the National Assembly Speaker Position, Virtually Confirmed as Chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Kim Jin-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who yielded the Speaker position to Park Byeong-seok, will take on the role of the next chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League. The Korea-Japan Parliamentary League is a bipartisan group of lawmakers serving as a channel for parliamentary diplomacy between Korea and Japan. It is known that Kang Chang-il, a Democratic Party lawmaker currently serving as chairman, nominated Kim for the position.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to league officials on the 28th, it has been virtually confirmed that Kim will assume the next chairmanship. Kim reportedly accepted Kang’s proposal to take on the role. Democratic Party lawmakers affiliated with the league held a dinner and consultation meeting on the 26th to discuss the formation of the executive body and other matters. Since the chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League often needs to coordinate frequently with government ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the position has traditionally been held by the ruling party. Because the role requires a seasoned player in parliamentary diplomacy, Kim, a five-term senior member of the ruling party, naturally attracted attention.

Known within the party as an 'economic expert,' Kim has engaged in dialogue with Japanese lawmakers as a member of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League during political situations such as the termination of GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement). He also participated in the Democratic Party’s special committee on the development of materials, parts, equipment, and human resources, which was established in response to Japan’s trade retaliation.

Initially, Lee Nak-yeon, chairman of the Democratic Party’s COVID-19 National Crisis Management Committee, was also considered a candidate for the next chairman of the league. Lee, a former Tokyo correspondent and a prominent 'Japan expert,' has been recognized for his deep understanding of related issues. In 2019, he held a meeting with Nukaga Fukushiro, chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League. However, within the party, there was a prevailing opinion that it would be burdensome to assign the position to Lee, who is a strong presidential contender and likely to challenge party leadership. In a phone interview with Asia Economy, Kang said, "Since Lee is a prospective presidential candidate, he will likely be busy, so we needed another senior member with weight to take charge of the league." He added, "The final formation and election of the executive body are expected to be completed around June after the National Assembly convenes."

After the Democratic Party’s elected members’ workshop on the 27th, Kim told Asia Economy, "It is still difficult to clearly state my position. I need to talk with opposition party lawmakers as well."

Meanwhile, Kang, who will step down from the chairmanship, expressed his intention to continue participating in the league by supporting Kim, possibly by taking on the honorary chairman role.