People Power Party, Will the Han Dong-hoon Generation Change Storm Hit?

Hataekyung "Let's Form the Emergency Committee Only with Those Born After the 1970s"
Attention on Whether the Generational Change Will Lead to Reform Nominations

Han Dong-hoon, former Minister of Justice born in 1973, is set to take on the role of Emergency Response Committee Chairperson for the ruling People Power Party, drawing attention to whether a generational shift will sweep through the party.

The People Power Party plans to hold a national committee meeting on the 26th to officially appoint former Minister Han as the Emergency Response Committee Chairperson. Political circles are focusing on the changes he may bring, especially the possibility of a generational shift.

On the 22nd, Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, suggested via social media (SNS), "I propose that the Emergency Response Committee undergo a generational change," adding, "Let's fill all Emergency Response Committee members with those born after the 1970s." He argued, "We need to present a changed image to the public starting with the committee's composition to win the hearts of young and moderate voters. Let the 789 generation (those born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s) of the People Power Party judge the 586 generation Democratic Party."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

If a generational shift occurs starting from the Emergency Response Committee as Ha suggested, it is expected to significantly impact the People Power Party's candidate nominations as well.

Last month on the 9th, the People Power Party’s Innovation Committee proposed its third innovation plan, mandating a 50% quota for youth under the age of 45 in the proportional representation winning slots and designating certain districts with high winning potential as ‘Youth Strategic Districts.’ At the time, the Innovation Committee stated, "We must not just put forward young candidates as figureheads or for image purposes, but the party must firmly secure positions for generational change," and "Candidates should be selected transparently and fairly through open competition."

Since the innovation plan has already been submitted within the party, former Minister Han is likely to seriously consider applying the Innovation Committee’s proposals. In this case, a key point of interest will be how many districts will be designated as ‘Youth Strategic Districts.’ The regions strong enough for the People Power Party to select as youth strategic districts are roughly the Gangnam area of Seoul and the Yeongnam region. However, these areas already have incumbent lawmakers and fierce competition within the party. How much the party will open its doors remains a critical issue.