[Lee Jaemyung's Power Man] Jeong Dongyoung, Minister of Unification Nominee with a 'Special Connection to the President' [AK Radio]

Nominated Again as Minister of Unification After 20 Years
A 'Political Mentor' Who Helped President Lee Enter Politics
Expected to Focus on Achievements in Inter-Korean Relations with Director Lee Jongseok

At the confirmation hearing held on the 14th, Jeong Dongyoung, nominee for Minister of Unification, stated, "It is necessary to consider postponing the South Korea-US and South Korea-US-Japan joint military exercises." He also said, "I do not agree with the opinion that North Korea is the main enemy of the Republic of Korea." Regarding the idea of changing the name of the Ministry of Unification, he commented, "It is worth considering the name 'Ministry of the Korean Peninsula'." Having become a nominee for Minister of Unification again after 20 years, he has a 'special connection' with President Lee Jaemyung. Based on this, it appears that he will play a role as a 'senior statesman' not only within the Cabinet but also within the ruling party.

Nominee Jeong was born in 1953 in Sunchang, North Jeolla Province. He graduated from Jeonju High School and Seoul National University with a degree in Korean history. He earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Wales, United Kingdom. He entered the National Assembly in 1996 during the 15th session. Under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, he served as chairman of the Uri Party, Minister of Unification, and chairman of the National Security Council (NSC). He is a five-term lawmaker (Jeonju-si Byeong District, North Jeolla Province) and a senior advisor to the Democratic Party. He served in the army, enlisting in 1974 and completing his service as a sergeant. His assets amount to approximately 2.19 billion won.

On June 23, President Lee Jaemyung appointed Jeong as nominee and explained his reasons as follows: "He is someone with more experience and a firmer philosophy regarding peace on the Korean Peninsula than anyone else. He is the right person to create conditions for dialogue with North Korea and to find a breakthrough for easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula." Nominee Jeong has a special connection with Director of National Intelligence Service Lee Jongseok. When Jeong served as chairman of the NSC, Director Lee was the secretary-general. During the Roh Moo-hyun administration, Lee Jongseok also succeeded Jeong as Minister of Unification. President Lee Jaemyung appears to be seeking a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations through the Jeong Dongyoung-Lee Jongseok system. On June 17, 2005, nominee Jeong met with former National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jongil, the father of Chairman Kim Jongun, in Pyongyang.

Jeong Dongyoung, nominee for Minister of Unification, is responding to a lawmaker's question at the confirmation hearing held on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

Nominee Jeong and President Lee have a 'special relationship.' Nominee Jeong played a decisive role in President Lee's entry into central politics and in his becoming mayor of Seongnam. In 2007, when nominee Jeong was the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, President Lee served as deputy chief of staff. He also organized and led the group 'People Connected with Jeong Dongyoung,' known as 'Jeongtong,' which was considered the Jeong Dongyoung faction. Afterwards, President Lee was nominated and ran for mayor of Seongnam, marking the beginning of his political journey. When President Lee ran for mayor of Seongnam, nominee Jeong actively supported him, including campaigning on his behalf. Their relationship as 'political mentor' and 'political comrade' has lasted for over 20 years.

Inter-Korean relations have changed significantly compared to the past. North Korea has declared a two-state policy and dismantled the power transmission towers at the Kaesong Industrial Complex. The Donghae Line railway has been blocked, and guard posts (GPs) have been restored. Under these circumstances, attention is focused on whether nominee Jeong, together with Director of National Intelligence Service Lee Jongseok and National Security Office Director Wi Sunglak, can achieve concrete results in inter-Korean relations.

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