Aide from Rep. Jeong's office elected 36th chair of Democratic Party staffers' council

By Joo So-hyun, The Herald Business

An Jung-geun, a senior aide in Rep. Jeong Jun-ho's office, has been elected the 36th chair of the Democratic Party of Korea's Legislative Aides Council.

An was elected at the council's regular general assembly and chair election held Tuesday, according to political sources.

Running under the slogan "The Legislative Aides Council by your side," An put forward four core campaign pledges: completing without interruption the key achievements of the previous executive board — including raising pay grades and welfare points for Grade 6 and below aides and reforming annual leave compensation standards — expanding the use of official leave for health checkups without fear of judgment, eliminating surprise dismissals and building a substantive rights protection framework, and establishing policy networks by standing committee.

An began his National Assembly career as an intern aide during the 19th Assembly and has since served successively as secretary, secretary-general, senior secretary and senior aide through the 20th, 21st and current 22nd Assembly terms.

"I am deeply grateful for Rep. Jeong's active support and encouragement, and for the warm backing of my fellow aides, both senior and junior," An said in his acceptance remarks. "Rather than lofty political slogans, I will focus on making the difficult daily lives of our aides more comfortable and dignified."