Samsung Alum Yang Hyang-ja "Considering Supreme Council Member... Suitable Role as a Bridge to Companies in the New Deal Era"

Yang Hyang-ja, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Yang Hyang-ja, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is considering running for the Supreme Council member position in next month's party convention. She believes she is the right person to serve as a bridge to businesses during the COVID-19 crisis and the era of the Korean New Deal.

On the 15th, Yang said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "I consider myself competitive in the fields of science, technology, and industrial economy. Since the Democratic Party leadership needs at least one channel to connect with businesses, I would not hesitate to take on the role if needed."

She previously served as an executive director in the Flash Development Office of Samsung Electronics' Memory Division and was an outside Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party for two years starting August 2016. Last year, she also served as the vice-chair of the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Japan's Economic Aggression.

Yang said, "Four years ago, I stepped forward as a woman from Honam to support the Democratic Party's regional backing, but this time, I am thinking about playing a role to overcome the desperate economic situation."

The Democratic Party had considered allocating 30% of the Supreme Council seats to women but the Party Convention Preparation Committee decided yesterday to maintain the current regulations. It is known that this decision was made because placing restrictions on the party leader's authority to make appointments was seen as problematic. Although the current rule requires at least one woman among the Supreme Council members, Yang stated that if she runs, she will compete as an 'economic expert' rather than as a 'female quota' candidate.

Yang said, "One pillar of the Korean New Deal is the Digital New Deal, and I have consistently worked in the digital field," adding, "During Japan's export restrictions on materials, I closely monitored the situation of companies and proposed establishing a firm diplomatic stance."

At the end of last month, appearing on YTN Radio, she commented on Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, saying, "I wondered if it is normal for him to have been on trial for four years. There are so many urgent decisions to be made, and when I hear from those who worked closely with him, they often say it is frustrating that decisions are not made promptly. I think the prosecution should focus on its core duties."

Regarding this, Yang said, "Depending on the trajectory of each person's life, my remarks might be seen as representing the corporate side, but having experienced the technology battlefield for 30 years, I understand how crucial technological supremacy is, and I believe corporate decision-making must be very agile."