Hwang Kyo-ahn Resigns as Jongno Organization Chairman... Excluded from Party Audit

Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn, who was prosecuted over the 20th National Assembly fast-track (rapid processing agenda) clash incident, is answering questions from reporters before attending the first trial held at the Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the 21st. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] It was confirmed on the 28th that former Future United Party (now People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn has stepped down as the head of the Jongno District Organizing Committee in Seoul.

Former leader Hwang ran for Jongno in the general election last April but was defeated. After the party suffered a crushing defeat, he announced that he would take responsibility and resign from all positions, but due to the complicated party situation, the paperwork was not smoothly processed, and he was recently included in the party audit target.

A party official said, "We had recognized the position of Jongno party committee chairman within the party as vacant," adding, "It seems that it was clearly organized as the party audit began." With this, former leader Hwang has been removed from the party audit target.

Various interpretations are being made in political circles regarding the organization committee head arrangement of former leader Hwang.

Some view that while he has been increasing communication with current and former lawmakers and preparing to resume political activities, he organized even the Jongno organizing committee head position to expand his scope of activities. This is said to be in preparation for the presidential election.

On the other hand, there is also speculation that since the party audit was originally aimed at former leader Hwang, he chose to organize himself rather than being disgracefully replaced.