Chief Secretary of 'Jeong Jin-seok Emergency Committee' Linking Pro-Chin Yoon and Non-Pro-Chin Yoon Factions

Gangwon and On-Duty Veteran Representative Noh Yong-ho of the People Power Party
The Only Incumbent Lawmaker Holding Concurrent Positions in the Emergency Response Committee and Innovation Committee
"I Will Clearly Explain the Innovation Plan to the Emergency Response Committee to Gain Consensus"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Rep. Noh Yong-ho of the People Power Party is drawing attention as a link to the non-Yoon (anti-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction within the party after taking the position of Chief Secretary to Emergency Response Committee Chairman Jeong Jin-seok. Rep. Noh is also a member of the Party Innovation Committee organized by former leader Lee Jun-seok.

In a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 15th, Rep. Noh said, "All proposals from the Innovation Committee must gain consensus from the party leadership, affiliated lawmakers, and party members," adding, "It is the responsibility of someone holding dual roles to explain well to prevent misunderstandings or misrepresentations." Currently, besides Rep. Noh, Kim Jong-hyuk (former editor-in-chief of JoongAng Ilbo) is also serving as an Innovation Committee member while participating in the Emergency Response Committee. Rep. Noh is the only incumbent lawmaker involved in both groups.

The strengthening of the link between the pro-Yoon and non-Yoon factions can also be seen in Chairman Jeong’s intentions. After paying respects at the National Cemetery on the 14th, Chairman Jeong told reporters, "The party and government must have a sense of unity and work together," adding, "For this, the party’s stability and normalization are necessary, and establishing a stable leadership system is urgent." This underscores that uniting the intentions of both pro-Yoon and non-Yoon factions is paramount for stabilizing the party’s leadership system.

There are also plans to maintain momentum in the Innovation Committee’s activities. Chairman Jeong has publicly expressed his intention to appoint Rep. Choi Jae-hyung, who is serving as the Innovation Committee chairman, as an Emergency Response Committee member. Rep. Noh said, "The Innovation Committee is a body that discusses ‘real innovation’ and areas for improvement," emphasizing, "It is not an organization to be interpreted based on political interests."

Rep. Noh, originally from Gangwon Province, is said to have relatively weak factional ties. This background enables him to serve as a bridge between both sides. He began his career as a party official through open recruitment during the New Korea Party era and has served as secretary-general of the Gangwon Provincial Party, as well as director of the central party’s organization and general affairs departments. After former Rep. Lee Young (proportional representation) was appointed Minister of SMEs and Startups in the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, Rep. Noh succeeded the parliamentary seat and entered the National Assembly.

Rep. Noh said, "I believe Chairman Jeong sympathizes with the Innovation Committee’s activities and will support them well," adding, "The proposal to appoint Rep. Choi Jae-hyung as an Emergency Response Committee member is likely intended to strengthen communication with the Innovation Committee."

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