Lee Jae-myung Appoints Pro-Lee Secretary-General Jo Jeong-sik and Pro-Moon Policy Committee Chair Kim Seong-hwan (Comprehensive)

Appointment of Secretary-General Jo Jeong-sik Considering Integration and Stability
Appointment of Policy Committee Chairman Kim Seong-hwan Considering Policy Continuity and Stability

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Jo Jeong-sik, a five-term member of the National Assembly, has been appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Democratic Party of Korea. Kim Seong-hwan, Chair of the Policy Committee, has been retained.

Cho Jung-sik, Secretary General of the Democratic Party Photo by Yonhap News

Park Seong-jun, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, announced this after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, stating, "Representative Lee Jae-myung made the decision after consultation with the Supreme Council."

Regarding the background of the appointment of the new Secretary-General Jo, he introduced, "He has abundant political and party experience, has gone through both party affairs and political affairs, and is well-regarded for his flexible and integrative leadership," adding, "The decision was made under the judgment that he is the right person for unity and stability." On the retention of Kim Seong-hwan as Chair of the Policy Committee, he said, "The emphasis was placed on policy continuity," and introduced, "The regular National Assembly session is approaching, and stability is important in pursuing policies. He has a broad and deep understanding of the policies the Democratic Party has pursued."

Kim Seong-hwan, Policy Committee Chair of the Democratic Party of Korea. / Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Secretary-General Jo previously served as Secretary-General of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, the predecessor of the Democratic Party, in 2014. During the last presidential primary election, he supported Representative Lee and was classified as part of the 'Pro-Myung (Pro-Lee Jae-myung faction).' He is praised for his excellent negotiation and organizational skills and for maintaining amicable relationships with party members. The Secretary-General is a key position responsible for managing the party’s personnel, organization, finances, and overall party affairs.

Chair Kim, classified as pro-Moon, was appointed as Chair of the Policy Committee under the Yoon Ho-jung emergency committee chairman system launched after the presidential election defeat in March this year, and was retained under the Woo Sang-ho emergency committee chairman system. His retention is attributed to his ability to respond to the transition from the ruling party to the opposition and to coordinate Democratic Party policies stably while conducting local elections.

The appointment of successors such as the chief spokesperson is expected to be announced around the 2nd of next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.