Kwon Oh-eul (68, photo), nominated as the first Minister of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs under Lee Jae-myung's government, is a former vice chairman of the Korean Association of Constitutional Law. He served three terms as a legislator from the Unified Democratic Party and the Grand National Party in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and held the position of Secretary General of the National Assembly.

The presidential office nominated Kwon as the candidate for Minister of the Veterans Affairs Ministry on the 23rd, saying, "He served three terms as a member of the National Assembly from Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do," and expressed hopes that he would embody the meaning of veterans affairs, which is 'special compensation for special sacrifices,' transcending regions and ideologies, and lead national unity.

Born in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, in 1957, Kwon graduated from Gyeongbuk High School and the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Korea University. He received a master's degree in economic development from Korea University's Graduate School of Public Administration. After graduating from university, he worked at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and entered politics by being elected as the youngest provincial councilor in Gyeongsangbuk-do at the age of 34.

Kwon was elected as a member of the National Assembly representing Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, under the Unified Democratic Party in the 15th general election. At that time, he was noted as the youngest (39 years old) and the only Democratic Party member elected from Gyeongsangbuk-do. In the 16th and 17th general elections, he ran as a member of the Grand National Party in the same constituency and served as a member of the National Assembly, also serving as Secretary General. He is a contemporary of Yoo Seong-min from Gyeongbuk High School (Class of 57), and has served as a member of the Supreme Council of the Bareunmirae Party, which was founded by former member Yoo and others.

He was noted as a key person representing the 'center-right expansion' strategy of Lee Jae-myung during the last presidential election. Kwon served as the chairperson of the Democratic Party's National Unity Committee during the election process last April.

There is no unique history related to veterans affairs. However, this nomination is seen as a significant symbol of unity beyond political factions. If Kwon is inaugurated as Minister of Veterans Affairs, it is expected to be the first case of a conservative-oriented cabinet member appointed in a progressive government.

▲1957 ▲Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do ▲Gyeongbuk High School ▲Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Diplomacy from Korea University ▲Member of the National Assembly from the Grand National Party in the 15th, 16th, and 17th terms ▲Chairperson of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Oceans and Fisheries Committee in the 17th National Assembly ▲Secretary General of the 25th National Assembly ▲Supreme Council member of the Bareunmirae Party ▲Vice Chairman of the Korean Association of Constitutional Law