Seat of opposition party’s reform panel remains empty

It remains unclear who will lead the reform panel of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD). Although NPAD Chairman Moon Jae-in officially offered chairmanship of the party’s reform panel to former Gyeonggi Province education superintendent Kim Sang-gon, the former superintendent refused to give an answer right away, saying, “I need time to consult with others and think about the offer.” The party insiders are concerned that the internal feud will get deeper, if the third offer is rejected by Kim following the suit of Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo and Seoul National University professor Cho Guk.

“Chairman Moon had a meeting with Kim on yesterday evening and this afternoon to offer the panel chairmanship. It is known that Kim kept asking if Moon had strong commitment for reform of the party,” said the party’s spokesperson Kim Sung-us on Friday. Possibility of co-chairmanship of the reform panel, by Kim and Cho, was explored during the meeting but consensus was made on Kim’s single chairmanship.

Reportedly, Kim promised Moon to give an answer until Sunday morning. Kim’s acquaintance said, “Kim is carefully thinking about whether he can perform the role, which is supposed to meet the public’s expectation.” However, some party members raise pessimism as the former superintendent who has never experienced in the National Assembly can perform as a "sword-wielding" hero to transform the party.

Floor leader Lee Jong-geol who recommended Kim said, “He is a member of the party and knows well about the internal processes.” Former superintendent Kim dropped out in the primary when he stood for Gyeonggi Province governor election instead of the superintendent ahead of local election in June last year. Before the by-election in April this year, Chairman Moon requested Kim to run for election in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, but Kim rejected the offer saying, “It would not be easy for me to win the primary, if it is not strategic nomination.”

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