Democratic Party Pushes to Establish 'Innovation Committee'... Targeting By-Elections?

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party of Korea has begun discussions on establishing an Innovation Committee to lead party reform efforts. This is the first time in over five years since the Innovation Committee was discussed during President Moon Jae-in's tenure as party leader in 2015.

According to Democratic Party officials on the 12th, at the party's Supreme Council workshop held the previous day, Leader Lee Nak-yeon mentioned the necessity of setting up an Innovation Committee. Key party leadership, including Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon, Supreme Council members, and Policy Committee Chair Han Jeong-ae, all attended the meeting.

Leader Lee explained the rationale for establishing the Innovation Committee, reportedly referring to the 'Party Power Return Innovation Committee' model led by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Kim Sang-gon. This Innovation Committee, formed in 2015, included participants such as former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and proposed reform measures for candidate nominations ahead of the general election the following year, such as forming an elected official evaluation committee and excluding the bottom 20% of incumbent lawmakers from nominations.

If the Innovation Committee is formed, it is expected to undertake long-term party reform efforts in preparation for the by-elections in April next year, as well as the presidential and local elections in the following year.

However, there are already differing opinions regarding the purpose of the Innovation Committee. This is because the circumstances when the party was in opposition and suffered consecutive election defeats differ completely from the current situation as a major ruling party.

Regarding this, a Democratic Party official said, "The Democratic Party has secured a large number of seats not only in the National Assembly but also in local councils, which necessitates changes in party operations. Additionally, the fact that major elections will be held consecutively has raised the need for an Innovation Committee," adding, "However, no concrete conclusions have been reached regarding the Innovation Committee."

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