Renowned billiards player joins ruling party ahead of local elections

Professional billiard player Cha Yu-ram, center, poses with People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Lee Jun-seok, left, and PPP floor leader Kwon Seong-dong during a ceremony for her joining the party at the National Assembly on Yeouido, Friday. Joint Press Corps

Professional billiard player Cha Yu-ram joined the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in a ceremony Friday, vowing to represent the voices of the culture and sports circles in politics, and seeking to play a role in the upcoming local elections.

The 34-year-old Cha acquired the nickname "Goddess of Billiards" after winning a number of domestic and world pool championships until the early 2010s and switching to professional three-cushion billiards in 2019.

She is expected to support the PPP's campaigns and public relations activities ahead of the June 1 local elections and National Assembly by-elections.

"I've felt how important the role of the government is while running a small business. The survival of indoor sports facilities is now threatened by COVID-19 business restrictions," she said in the ceremony, promising to represent the cultural and sports sectors suffering hardships.

PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok said Cha has been invited to join his party's election committee as a special adviser and the party will try to recruit more diverse young people. (Yonhap)