The People Power Party is repeatedly struggling with the formation of a new leadership. This is because Jang Dong-hyuk, the chairman of the People Power Party, is focusing on selecting personnel with both a youthful image and capability. However, the People Power Party plans to finalize key party positions for the Supreme Council as quickly as possible for party stability.
According to the political circles on the 29th, the People Power Party is working on the selection of key party officials to form its leadership. Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk completed the first selection among key party officials, including Park Jun-tae, the chairman of his secretariat, and spokespersons Park Seong-hoon and Choi Bo-yoon, on the 26th following his election.
The top priority in personnel selection is the core high-ranking positions of Secretary General and Chairman of the Policy Committee. The Secretary General is a key position overseeing the execution of party affairs. The Chairman of the Policy Committee decides the policy direction of the party and coordinates policy consultations. Since both positions form the Supreme Council, there is a need to quickly select personnel for the stability of the party.
The People Power Party plans to finalize the personnel selection for the Secretary General and Chairman of the Policy Committee by the 31st at the latest. Typically, these positions are held by lawmakers with three or more terms. Currently, the strong candidate for Secretary General is Jeong Hee-yong, a two-term lawmaker from TK (Daegu and North Gyeongsang). Additionally, two-term lawmaker Park Soo-young and first-term lawmakers Kang Myeong-gu and Jo Ji-yeon are also being discussed as potential candidates for major party positions. Since Chairman Jang's "youthful image" was effectively utilized during the party convention, it is believed that the party leadership can also be filled with "fresh faces.
Chairman Jang is said to be repeatedly contemplating major party appointments. This is because he also needs to consider the capabilities to counter the Democratic Party of Korea's "legislative monopoly." Among seasoned lawmakers, there are reports that no proactive moves to join the leadership have been observed, resulting in an unexpected "manpower shortage." As a result, the nominations for appointed members of the Supreme Council and the head of the Yeouido Institute are expected to be postponed and carried out slowly.
A member of the People Power Party said, "The selection of the Secretary General and Chairman of the Policy Committee will definitely be completed and announced by the 31st," adding, "I am aware of the names being mentioned as candidates, but it seems that Chairman Jang is not yet sure who the most suitable person is." He further noted, "It seems that the selection of appointed members of the Supreme Council and the head of the Yeouido Institute will be decided based on the reactions to the selection announcement."
However, there are also opinions that the role of seasoned lawmakers is still necessary. In particular, there is an interpretation that Chairman Jang's remarks at the People Power Party training meeting, stating, "As many lawmakers have mentioned, I will create a system where only those who have fought hard can receive nominations," are intended to encourage seasoned lawmakers who have shown a passive attitude. The People Power Party plans to reflect participation rates in legislative and party activities in future nominations.
A key official of the People Power Party stated, "The appointed members of the Supreme Council may be chosen from seasoned lawmakers who will reinforce Chairman Jang's leadership," adding, "Just as the meeting with seasoned lawmakers was held immediately after the election, it seems that they will show a willingness to listen to and accommodate their voices. Chairman Jang is someone whose flexibility is an advantage."