Seoul: Jeong Seong-ho, a seasoned lawmaker with deep connections to President Lee Jae Myung, has been nominated as the new justice minister. The Democratic Party (DP) veteran, who first entered the political arena in 2000, secured his initial parliamentary seat in 2004 and has been elected four more times since then.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jeong's political journey has seen him occupy several significant roles, including membership in the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee, chairmanship of the strategy and finance committee, and chief spokesperson for the DP. His relationship with President Lee dates back to 1987 when they met at the national judicial training institute after passing the bar exam in the previous year.
Jeong played a crucial role in supporting Lee's first presidential campaign in 2017, at a time when Lee was considered a fringe candidate within the party. More recently, Jeong has been leading the DP's talent recruitment committee since last August and was instrumental in Lee's recent election victory.
Born in 1961 in Yanggu, Jeong holds a law degree from Seoul National University. His extensive experience and close ties with President Lee are expected to influence his tenure as justice minister.