Justice ministry employees clap for former minister Han Dong-hoon after a farewell ceremony held at the government complex in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province on Thursday. (Yonhap)
Former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon was set to be sworn in as chief of the ruling People Power Party on Tuesday, taking on the daunting mission of leading the party through April's parliamentary elections.
Han will take office as chairman of the PPP's emergency committee after the party's national committee endorsed his nomination through phone voting. His inauguration ceremony is set for 3 p.m., party officials said.
Han takes over at a time when the PPP has been struggling to reshape its image in order to win back voter trust ahead of the crucial April 10 elections in the wake of its crushing defeat in October's by-election for chief of Seoul's Gangseo Ward.
After taking office, Han has to select members of the emergency committee and plans to finish the job by Friday. The committee can be made up of up to 15 members, and its composition could indicate where Han will take the party.
Han's appointment came after former PPP leader Kim Gi-hyeon resigned amid mounting pressure for him to step down as part of reform efforts. Since then, the party's floor leader, Rep. Yun Jae-ok, has played the role of acting leader.
In a recent survey, the 50-year-old Han was cited as the most suitable candidate to lead the PPP's emergency committee, with 34.3 percent support. The figure was significantly higher among PPP supporters, with 66.3 percent. (Yonhap)
MOST POPULAR