[Profile] Conservative Kwon Oeul Nominated as Veterans Minister... Focus on 'National Unity'

Former Reformist in Conservative Party... Three Consecutive Terms in TK Region
Served as Chairperson of National Unity Committee for Lee Jaemyung's Campaign

On June 23, Kwon Oeul, a former three-term National Assembly member from a conservative party, was nominated as the candidate for Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

At a briefing held that day, Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, announced the nomination of former lawmaker Kwon as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Kang explained the background of the appointment by stating, "We expect him to embody the meaning of 'special compensation for special sacrifice' that goes beyond regions and ideologies, and to promote national unity."

Yonhap News

Kwon, born in 1957 in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, graduated from Gyeongbuk High School and Korea University before joining the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He entered politics after running for and being elected as a member of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Council. He later joined the United Democratic Party and was first elected to the National Assembly in the 15th general election in 1996, representing Andong, North Gyeongsang. At the time, he was the youngest member (39 years old) and the only United Democratic Party lawmaker from North Gyeongsang Province, which drew attention. He subsequently served as a member of the 16th and 17th National Assembly with the Grand National Party and also held the position of Secretary General of the National Assembly.

Although Kwon comes from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region, known for its strong conservative leanings, he has shown a reformist tendency and has been considered part of the younger, reform-minded faction within conservative parties. After the impeachment of former President Park Geunhye in 2016, he left the Saenuri Party and joined the Bareun Party. In 2018, he ran for local office as a member of the Bareunmirae Party but was not elected. Ahead of the last presidential election, he served as Chairperson of the National Unity Committee for Lee Jaemyung's campaign.

▲ Born in 1957, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province ▲ Gyeongbuk High School ▲ Department of Political Science and International Relations, Korea University ▲ 15th, 16th, and 17th National Assembly member (Andong, North Gyeongsang Province) ▲ Chairperson of the 17th National Assembly Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Committee ▲ 25th Secretary General of the National Assembly ▲ Vice President of the Korean Parliamentary Society