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

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.”

Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye