Uri Chairman Chung to Resign ‘Shin Ki-nam System’ for the time being

Uri Party Chairman Chung Dong-young opened his heart to a resignation from his post as party chairman during a meeting with President Roh Moo-hyun lasting one hour at Cheong Wa Dae Saturday afternoon.

Chung made clear that the party should make a fresh start as the general election was over and the second term of the participatory government has begun with the reinstatement of the president, and Roh seemed to accept Chung’s intention, said Uri spokesman Park Young-sun yesterday.

Chung is expected to make an official announcement on May 17, if not earlier. It is not clear for now whether Chung will accept a cabinet post, but it is quite possible for him to take cabinet post after a rest period. Spokesperson Park stated, “He will seek a new way after taking a rest.” Chung’s close aide seemed to recognize that it was very hard for Chung to reject the president’s invitation to his cabinet, saying, “It depends on the President.” Chung is set to arrange his personal affairs while watching the movie ‘President’s Barber’ and taking lunch and dinner with his aides

Party standing committee member Rep. Shin Ki-nam, who was second-ranked during the party convention on January 11, will automatically succeed Chung as party chairman according to the party’s constitution. A matter of concern, however, is how long the “interim system centered on Shin” will last. A section of the pro-government Uri Party as well as non-party blocs have raised the issue of whether they should establish new leadership by holding a provisional party convention in July or August.

However, Shin’s system is expected to continue for the time being. It is because all standing committee members are expected to resign in order to hold a party convention, and it is not easy to qualify an electorate due to the abolition of the districts chapters.

A key official of the Uri party stated, “There will never be a party convention this year.” Rep. Shin also said he personally wanted to hold a party convention to construct strong leadership, but that the convention might be held early next year. If the political situation develops in an unexpected way and the demand for the establishment of new leadership spouts, there is some possibility for insistence on a party convention.

It attracts attention that party standing committee member Han Myeong-sook has been informally designated as a chairman of a special committee for the performance of national tasks. This special committee is expected to support and seek key tasks of the government, including decentralization of power and the northeast economic hub project, so that Han can take charge of one axis of the “Shin system” bridging role between the government and the party.

Some experts analyze that the designation of Han as a committee chairman is a strategic move for the next party chairman.

In the meantime, Uri leaders are expected to change opinions concerning the operation of the political situation and the party during a luncheon meeting. President Roh is expected to express his intention of joining the Uri Party during this meeting.

Yong-Gwan Jung Seung-Heon Lee yongari@donga.com ddr@donga.com