Seoul: Veterans Minister nominee Kwon Oh-eul vowed Wednesday to make efforts to foster communication between liberal and conservative groups amid deep political polarization in the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kwon voiced the need to bridge the differences between the two sides, two days after being nominated as the first veterans minister of the Lee Jae Myung administration. He emphasized the importance of creating frequent opportunities for dialogue, suggesting that such initiatives could help the Taegeukgi and candlelight rallies in Gwanghwamun communicate and understand each other. These rallies are led by conservative and liberal groups, respectively.
Kwon, a former three-term lawmaker from the conservative bloc, has stood out among Lee's picks for his Cabinet this week due to his political background. Earlier this year, he joined Lee's presidential campaign, committing to promote centrist and conservative values within Lee's liberal Democratic Party. Kwon interpreted his nomination as veterans minister as a mandate to lead national unity and integration by honoring patriotism.
Kwon also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the 1950-53 Korean War, as the country marks the 75th anniversary of the conflict's outbreak. He expressed his commitment to carrying out Lee's Memorial Day pledge to provide "special" compensation for those who made sacrifices for the country.