The People Power Party (PPP) on Sunday announced the recruitment of Son Jung-hwa, a partner at Samil PwC, as its first talent acquisition for the June 3 local and by-elections. Chung Jin-woo, a manager at Hyundai Engineering's energy sales team, was named as the second recruit.
Cho Jung-hoon, chairman of PPP's talent recruitment committee, made the announcement at a welcoming ceremony held at the National Assembly.
Son has worked as a certified public accountant at Samil PwC for 20 years, handling financial risk and ESG affairs. Cho described her as someone who "has directly witnessed how taxes are executed in the field, where inefficiencies occur, and how structures become distorted through her experience in local government fiscal investment deliberations."
"She said she couldn't stand watching money leak away while the Lee Jae-myung government and past progressive administrations talked about fiscal expansion, and she decided to join after asking the big question of how taxes have improved her life," Cho said. "She will continue to ask and examine with the same standards regardless of how budget signboards change under this government."
Son said, "I have worked at a major domestic accounting firm for about 20 years, fiercely fighting for transparency at numerous corporate sites. I came here hoping my precious experience, expertise, and commitment to transparency could serve as a small foundation for changing Korea."
"I believe in the power of conservatism," she added. "I will do my best to help conservatism move forward."
Chung, a nuclear engineer who majored in nuclear engineering, served as project manager for Doosan Enerbility's nuclear SMR project. Cho described him as someone who "has directly devoted himself to the nuclear industry in the field of the power industry ecosystem, rather than treating nuclear power as a political slogan."
"Manager Chung's awareness of the issues is clear. When the former Moon Jae-in government pushed ahead with its nuclear phase-out policy, the burden ultimately resulted in the collapse of the nuclear industry ecosystem," Cho said. "He knows better than anyone that even though this government talks about pursuing two new nuclear reactors, trust doesn't immediately follow just because the words have changed."
Chung said, "The Democratic Party's nuclear phase-out policy brought considerable confusion to industrial sites. Ongoing domestic construction projects were halted, and numerous technical personnel at partner companies faced difficulties."
"Energy policy should be centered on science, industry, and people's lives, not ideology. The nuclear industry is a core strategic industry supporting Korea's national security and high-tech industries. I will convey the voices from industrial sites and practice responsible politics that protects technology and future generations," he emphasized.
PPP Chairman Chang Dong-hyuk said, "Right now, Korea's economy is unstable, diplomacy is shaking, and security is precarious. People's livelihoods are on the brink due to high prices and exchange rates."
"Yet it is also a stark reality that the public is not readily giving their hearts to our party," Chang said. "We must approach them with a new image. Recruiting these two young talents is the PPP's promise to present a new face."
"We will nurture these two as leaders of our party's innovation—capable talents who understand people's livelihoods and the field and can offer alternatives, and strong fighters who can stand on the side of the people and boldly confront the government," he added.