Missionary Family Descendant Chosen to Lead Ruling Party’s Innovation Committee

Here is an interesting politicla appointment within the ruling PPP, a descendant of a missionary family who is now a prestigious doctor in Seoul that considers himself a country boy from Jeolla:

Ihn Yo-han, chairman of the innovation committee of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), speaks to reporters during his way to the office at the party’s headquarters in Seoul’s Yeouido, Tuesday. Yonhap

A fresh face has emerged in Korean politics. Ihn Yo-han, a naturalized Korean physician, has come to the rescue for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) as the conservative bloc gears up for a momentous change in preparation for the general elections slated for April next year.

Ihn, also known as John Linton, was appointed as chairman of the PPP’s innovation committee, Monday. He is tasked with leading the reform of the ruling party as it strives to regain voters’ trust ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Political commentators viewed that the PPP’s appointment of Ihn shows its commitment to drastic change, but said it remains to be seen how big a role the physician will play. 

“By appointing Ihn as the innovation committee chief, the PPP has succeeded in grabbing public attention and delivering a message that things are going to change,” said Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University.

“It also sends a positive message that people of diverse backgrounds are playing a major role in Korean politics.” 

Ihn is the first special naturalized Korean citizen, earning the status in 2012 thanks to his contributions to the country, such as the development of an ambulance customized for Korea in 1992. 

He is currently the director at the International Health Care Center of Yonsei University Severance Hospital. 

The 64-year-old doctor comes from a family with a long history of contributions to Korea.

Korea Times

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