Why the Democratic Party is Promoting 'Joo Ho-young as Prime Minister'

Minju Praises Joo Ho-young's Flexibility
Also Interpreted as Intent to Fuel Conflict in People Power Party
Possible Mention of Prime Minister Nomination at Leadership Meeting

As President Yoon Suk-yeol deliberates on appointing a new Prime Minister, some pro-Lee Jae-myung (pro-Lee) figures within the Democratic Party of Korea are showing a positive response to 'Joo Ho-young as Prime Minister.' The pro-Lee faction evaluated Representative Joo as a suitable candidate to serve as a bridge to resolve conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties. However, some in political circles interpret this as the Democratic Party attempting to confine the People Power Party to the so-called 'Yeongnam Party,' limited to Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), through Representative Joo.

Joo Ho-young, a member of the People Power Party, is attending a meeting of senior lawmakers with four or more terms, presided over by Yoon Jae-ok, acting party leader, held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

On the 23rd, Jeong Seong-ho, a leading figure of the pro-Lee faction, appeared on CBS Radio and described the rumors about Representative Joo's prime ministership as "a flexible person with political skills." Jeong said, "He is typically from Daegu and Gyeongbuk, but he seems likely to transcend that and play a role in uniting the people." Park Joo-min, the Democratic Party's floor deputy leader, also said in a radio interview, "I believe Representative Joo Ho-young is much better at communication than other People Power Party members."

The Democratic Party highly values Representative Joo's 'flexibility,' giving him high marks for communication between the ruling and opposition parties. This contrasts with their earlier evaluation when President Yoon appointed Jeong Jin-seok of the People Power Party as Chief of Staff. The Democratic Party expressed displeasure and skepticism about communication when the 'Jeong Jin-seok Chief of Staff' was appointed.

However, the ruling party is wary of the Democratic Party's favorable evaluation of Representative Joo. There is suspicion that the pro-Lee faction is supporting the prime ministership rumors of Representative Joo, who is from Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), with the intention of limiting the People Power Party to a regional party in Yeongnam. Currently, the People Power Party is divided between a management-type emergency committee led by pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol) and Yeongnam senior members and an innovation-type emergency committee led by non-pro-Yoon (anti-Yoon Suk-yeol) and metropolitan area elected officials. In this situation, the opposition party's recommendation of Representative Joo is seen as fueling internal conflicts.

It is analyzed that the Democratic Party believes it is more advantageous for the People Power Party to be limited to a Yeongnam regional party through a management-type emergency committee rather than strengthening the metropolitan area through an innovation-type emergency committee. Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "From the Democratic Party's perspective, it seems they intend to check the expansion of opinions within the People Power Party to become a metropolitan area party," adding, "It could be an attempt to impose the so-called Yeongnam Party label."

Political circles believe that the rumors about Joo Ho-young becoming Prime Minister could gain real momentum. Since the Prime Minister requires the consent of the National Assembly, the opposition party's opinion can significantly influence the decision-making process. Especially if, during a summit meeting between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Lee Jae-myung, Lee supports Representative Joo's appointment as Prime Minister, it is evaluated that President Yoon would find it difficult to reject the proposal.

The presidential office is highly cautious about the opposition party exercising veto power over the Prime Minister appointment. There is concern that opposition resistance could dampen efforts to reform state affairs. Some opinions suggest that the 'Joo Ho-young card' aligns with the purpose of guarding against the anti-Yoon faction within the party. From President Yoon's perspective, considering the growing voice of the anti-Yoon faction within the party, he may support the 'Joo Ho-young Prime Minister rumor.' Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Representative Joo is a six-term lawmaker with the capability and integrity suitable for the Prime Minister position, and most importantly, he is not pro-Yoon," adding, "The presidential office feels considerable burden in appointing pro-Yoon figures, so it seems likely they will support a TK figure rather than a pro-Yoon one."