People's Party Appoints 29 Regional Committee Chairs... "No Impact on Merger"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is talking with Kwon Eun-hee, floor leader, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] The People’s Party has announced that the selection of 29 regional chairpersons will not affect the merger with the People Power Party.

The People’s Party appointed 29 regional chairpersons on the 17th as a result of the 103rd Supreme Council meeting.

The evaluation criteria included basic qualifications and capabilities as politicians, discovery and nurturing of young prospective politicians, understanding of innovative opposition integration and realization of centrist pragmatic politics, and expertise. Candidates classified as the remaining regional chairperson pool are currently under review for a second additional screening.

In the youth category, Kim Gyu-nam, a youth employment expert and regional chairperson of Songpa-gu Gap, along with three others, were appointed. In the business category, Yoo Se-jong, regional chairperson of Jungnang-gu Eul, and three others were appointed. In the expert category, Yoo Tae-uk, former vice president of the Korean Medical Association, and 20 others were appointed as regional chairpersons. Additionally, Lee Jae-woon, the author of the novel "Tojeong Bigyeol," was appointed as the chairperson of Yongin-si Gap.

The People’s Party stated, "The selection of regional chairpersons was carried out independently to strengthen the organization of the People’s Party, and since the party has declared it will not demand shares, it was reaffirmed again at today’s Supreme Council meeting that this will not affect the integration." They explained, "Considering the merger situation of the two parties, the Special Committee on Organizational Strengthening excluded Representative Ahn Cheol-soo and three incumbent lawmakers from the regional chairperson screening."