[Politics X-File] 'Korea's Kennedy Family'... Grandfather, Father, and Grandson All Members of the National Assembly

19. Political Dynasties Symbolizing US Democratic History
Famous Families like Kennedy, Roosevelt, Bush
Representative Korean Jeong Dae-cheol Family... Three Generations as National Assembly Members

Editor's Note"Political X-Files" is a series that delivers the "all-time stories" recorded in the election results and incidents of Korean politics.

The United States' "political dynasties" symbolize the tradition and authority of a long history of democracy. The Kennedy family is a representative political dynasty that cannot be overlooked.

Having produced nearly ten senators and representatives, including presidents, they deserve such recognition. The Roosevelt family, which produced two presidents as well as vice presidents and governors, and the Bush family, which produced father-and-son presidents, are also frequently mentioned when discussing political dynasties.

A key advantage of political dynasties is that members can receive so-called political training from childhood. They can learn political etiquette, political capabilities, and the virtues of public officials, making them well-prepared politicians. Individuals from political dynasties can enjoy a halo effect from their debut.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

This is the symbolic effect of being someone's child or grandchild. It is an environment favorable to receiving political spotlight. However, if a member of a political dynasty performs below expectations, they may face harsher criticism.

Could a political dynasty like the Kennedy family emerge in Korea? Considering domestic sentiments, there are factors to consider. In Korea, political dynasties are often viewed not from the perspective of tradition and authority as in the U.S., but rather with negative keywords such as "dad's chance" (applying nepotism).

It is an environment where it is not easy for political dynasties to establish themselves. Of course, if someone lacking political capability attains public office solely due to the halo effect, criticism is warranted. However, approaching someone critically solely because they are a child of a certain person, regardless of their abilities, can be another form of bias.

When discussing political dynasties in Korea, the family of Jeong Dae-cheol, former chairman of the Constitutional Association, is often mentioned. Jeong Dae-cheol was a five-term member of the National Assembly, having won the gold badge five times until the 16th general election in 2000. In the 1997 presidential election, he boldly challenged the political heavyweight Kim Dae-jung, demonstrating a strong political presence.

Former lawmaker Jeong Dae-cheol is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 100th anniversary ceremony of the Bongodong Battle victory held on June 4, 2020, at the Ibook 5 Province Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Jeong Dae-cheol is also well known as the son of Jeong Il-hyeong, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Lee Tae-hyeong, the country's first female legal professional. Jeong Il-hyeong was a senior politician who served eight terms as a member of the National Assembly.

Jeong Dae-cheol's son is Jeong Ho-jun, a former member of the 19th National Assembly. Thus, three generations?grandfather, father, and son?have served as members of the National Assembly.

Among politicians from both ruling and opposition parties, there are several who have succeeded their fathers as members of the National Assembly. Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party and a key figure in the Yoon Seok-youl administration, is the son of former member Jang Seong-man. Jang Je-won was elected to the National Assembly following his father and is currently serving his third term.

Jeong Jin-seok, who served as the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, is another example of a politician who followed his father into the National Assembly. His father, Jeong Seok-mo, was a six-term member representing areas including Gongju in Chungnam Province. Jeong Jin-seok is continuing as a five-term member representing Gongju and surrounding areas.

Jung Jin-seok, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is giving a greeting at the 3rd Party Convention Candidate Vision Presentation of the People Power Party held at a broadcasting studio in Seoul on February 7. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Former People Power Party member Yoo Seung-min's father was also a member of the National Assembly. Yoo Su-ho, his father, served as a judge and was a two-term member of the National Assembly. Yoo Seung-min served five terms and is considered one of the next presidential candidates within the ruling party.

The Democratic Party has members such as Roh Woong-rae and Kim Young-ho, who have succeeded their fathers as members of the National Assembly. Their fathers are more politically renowned. Roh Woong-rae's father, Roh Seung-hwan, was a five-term member and served twice as the elected mayor of Mapo District, making him a historic figure in Mapo politics.

Kim Young-ho is a two-term member but has yet to match his father's reputation. His father, Kim Sang-hyun, was a six-term member and a political heavyweight who braved the storms of Korean politics in the 1980s and 1990s.

Although Korea's democratic history is shorter compared to the U.S., political families worthy of being called political dynasties are emerging in Korea as well.

To become a respected political dynasty like the Kennedy family in the U.S., ultimately, good politics and exemplary conduct are important. It means demonstrating political qualities and capabilities that surpass the halo effect of being someone's child to change public perception.