Jun Ji-hye, a reporter at the finance desk of The Korea Times, focuses primarily on economic policy and government agencies, mainly covering the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the National Tax Service and the Korea Customs Service. She previously covered financial authorities, including the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, and earlier worked on the political, city and business desks, reporting on a wide range of issues.
Saenuri Party's floor leader ballot is two-way race
Rep. Yoo Seong-min announces his bid to run for the ruling Saenuri Party’s floor leader at a news conference at the National Assembly, Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap
By Jun Ji-hye
By Jun Ji-hye
Rep. Yoo Seong-min declared his candidacy Tuesday for floor leader of the Saenuri Party in a ballot to be held Monday.
The announcement means that a two-way race is now underway between Yoo and four-term lawmaker Lee Ju-young
“If elected, I will change and resolutely cause innovation within the party so that it can engage in managing state affairs with the center,” Yoo told a news conference at the National Assembly.
The third-term lawmaker who represents a constituency in Daegu, vowed to actively assist President Park Geun-hye’s handling of state affairs and take responsibility for any results achieved with her.
He also argued that he would be a “tool” for the governing party to win the 2016 general election.
When asked what distinguishes him from Lee Ju-young, Yoo said, “I am a more appropriate floor leader to make the party brand new and a winner.”
The position of floor leader became vacant after Rep. Lee Wan-koo was nominated to be prime minister last Friday.
Lee Ju-young, a noted supporter of President Park, declared his candidacy Sunday.
Even before the two senior lawmakers announced their bids for the post, the race was characterized as a contest between Park supporters and those who oppose her.
Yoo is a close aide to ruling party Chairman Rep. Kim Moo-sung, who has confronted Park over various issues, including whether the nation’s Constitution should be amended.
Former Maritime Minister Lee Ju-young was praised by President Park for the dedication he showed during recovery efforts conducted at the site where the Sewol ferry sank.
However, Yoo denies that it will be a battle between factions, saying he was an “original member of the pro-Park group.”
“I am an eternal Park supporter. I will remain faithful to her even after her term of office expires,” he said. “If elected, I will talk to the President, Cheong Wa Dae and the government every day to help her go in the right direction.”
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