Democrats’ new leader asks Lee not to appoint Linton to lead Korean Red Cross

The leader of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party, Kim Min-seok, has requested President Lee Jae Myung not to appoint John Linton as the new chairman of the Korean Red Cross, according to the party’s spokesperson. Linton, born to American missionaries, is a naturalized Korean citizen and previously served in the opposition People Power Party.

Park Sung-joon, the Democratic Party spokesperson, revealed on Wednesday that Linton was informed of the president's decision during a private meeting following a banquet between party leaders and the president on Tuesday. The spokesperson stated that Linton's appointment was based on opinions gathered from both within and outside the party, and that it would be preferable not to proceed with the nomination.

Linton has recently been cleared by a public service ethics commission for former lawmakers, but the final approval rests with the president. The Korean Red Cross’s central committee had already elected Linton as chairman in June, a decision that has been met with opposition from some Democrats and their supporters due to Linton's past actions and comments, such as his boycott of the impeachment vote against former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his support for healthcare system privatization. For inquiries, please contact english@hani.co.kr.