I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
GNP in rift over reshuffle of key party posts
By Kang Hyun-kyung
The ruling Grand National Party (GNP) leader’s appointment of his aide to a key post Tuesday has drawn fierce backlash from opponents, causing a rift inside the largest party over the reshuffle.
At the GNP’s Supreme Council meeting, Chairman Hong Joon-pyo unveiled the lineup of 23 party posts, including the appointment of second-term lawmaker Kim Jeong-kweon as secretary general.
Over the past few days, there has been tension between Hong and other senior lawmakers over the reshuffle as he tried to place his confidant in the important position.
By Kang Hyun-kyung
The secretary general will be responsible for the selection of candidates on the GNP ticket to run in the National Assembly elections next April.
The list prepared by Hong was approved with the participation of five Supreme Council members, including Reps. Na Kyung-won and Lee Joo-young, at the meeting.
The five endorsed the reshuffle in return for Hong’s acceptance of a four-point reform plan.
Under the plan, the new GNP chairman pledged to make the selections of candidates for the elections in a transparent and democratic manner.