Rumors Abound About Assembly Speaker

Speculation is growing that outgoing National Assembly Speaker Chung Ui-hwa may run in the 2017 presidential election.

Chung, whose two-year term ends Sunday, launched a think tank on Thursday called "Vision for New Korea," which political watchers say could be linked to making a presidential bid.

He is expected to use the institute to pursue greater political influence in the run-up to the 2017 presidential race, said political watchers.

Chyung Dae-chul, a senior advisor of the minor opposition People's Party, said Chung shared his intention to join the presidential race when they met early this year.

"Chung unveiled the vision for a new centrist political group during a meeting with me in February, mentioning the need to reorganize the political system worsened by President Park Geun-hye's way of managing state affairs," Chosun Ilbo reported Wednesday, citing Chyung.

When I said he appears to have a dream of being the president, Chung admitted, saying he is willing to run for the presidential election if a chance arises.

Chung's move is being interpreted as preparation for raising his political profile and influence.

"It may have started off as a think-tank; but ahead of the presidential election, the institute can become a springboard for Chung to launch a new party which will help him step up as a presidential candidate," said Hwang Tae-soon, a senior analyst at Wisdon Center.

Park Hyung-joon, National Assembly secretary-general and Chung's aide who will assume the head of the "Vision for New Korea," also implied the possibility of Chung running for the presidency.

"The think-tank won't be turned into a political party right away but I believe it could function as its platform," Park said. "It could play a role to form a new political force with help of the participants."

Some 120 supporters of the think tank included a wide range of "reformist" lawmakers from the rival parties.

Saenuri Party members categorized as reformists Gyeonggi Governor Nam Kyung-pil, Jeju Governor Won hee-ryong and Rep...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT