A group of former top policymakers in economy-related ministries added seats for the ruling Saenuri Party in the April 11 parliamentary elections, according to results based on the exit polls.
They included former Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon, former Vice Finance Minister Ryu Sung-gul and former Vice Land Minister Kim Hee-kuk.
Kim in particular is seen as a face-saver for the conservative party, beating veteran politician Chung Dong-young of the opposition Democratic United Party in Seoul’s Gangnam-B constituency.
The former vice ministers -- Ryu and Kim -- were elected in the Donggu-B constituency in Daegu and in the Jung-gu & Nam-gu constituency in Daegu, respectively, according to the exit polls.
A number of pro-labor candidates were expected to be elected in the April 11 parliamentary elections.
Among them were Roh Hoe-chan (Nowon-gu, Seoul) and Sim Sang-jeong (Deokyang-gu, Gyeonggi Province).
Lawmakers from the pro-labor sector are expected expand their presence in the National Assembly as about 20 progressive candidates were estimated to be elected, according to the poll.
The local business sectors are expressing mixed expectations. Lawmakers familiar with labor issues may help address deepening social polarization. On the other hand, conglomerates remain antsy about whether the larger group of pro-labor lawmakers could propose regulation-heavy legislation that could potentially undermine corporate competitiveness.
Thirty pro-labor candidates had competed in precincts, while 14 candidates were registered for proportional representation.
By Kim Yon-se (
kys@heraldcorp.com)
