Jeong Seong-ho, Minister of Justice Candidate, a 'Muscle Man' from Seoul National University Weightlifting Team

The unique background of Jeong Seong-ho, a five-time member of the National Assembly nominated as the inaugural Minister of Justice under the Lee Jae-myung administration, is drawing attention.

As a rare figure among Seoul National University Law School graduates, Jeong's solid physique and muscular build have been gaining attention online.

On the 30th, various online communities were abuzz as a photo of Jeong's muscles, revealed during his interview on Channel A's "National Assembly Anchors" last month, circulated widely.

Supporters of the Democratic Party shared his muscle photo with comments like, "Jeong Seong-ho, wear short sleeves during the committee hearing," expressing their excitement.

In the interview, Jeong noted, "When I was in college, I served as the head of the weightlifting club, which is quite rare for a law student from Seoul National University," adding, "I did a lot of weight training."

The host, upon feeling Jeong's bicep, could not hide his surprise, exclaiming, "It’s as thick as my thigh."

" It’s as thick as my thigh."

From Student Movements in the '80s to Becoming a Politician

Jeong recalled, "I entered college in 1981, a time when the atmosphere was very chaotic. I thought I needed stamina to participate in the daily protests."

He explained that he was drawn to join the weightlifting team by the slogan "Primitive strength in modern chests" written next to the club's sign.

When asked in the interview who he would like to give a light slap to, Jeong pointed to Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, saying, "I want to give him about three slaps."

He criticized Kwon, saying, "(Kwon is) a senior from the law school of Chung-Ang University, and we were close in the past, yet he speaks harshly as soon as he opens his mouth. It goes too far."

In 2019, Jeong's passion for health management became a topic of conversation. At that time, he attracted attention by posting workout photos and weight loss testimonials on social media.

He stated, "After last year's regular session, I gained 1.5 kg due to overeating and drinking. Since last week, I've only eaten two meals a day and have exercised for two hours daily," adding, "During the three-day weekend, I worked out for four hours each day and managed to lose 1 kg."

He continued, "I alternated between aerobic and anaerobic exercises, and my body was exhausted from interval training on the indoor bicycle, but I felt relieved after losing 1 kg in a week. I want to lose just 1 kg more."

From Lawyer to Five-Term Member of the National Assembly, a Long Connection with President Lee Jae-myung

Jeong passed the 28th bar exam and entered politics in 2000 as a deputy spokesperson for the New Millennium Democratic Party after participating in the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun).

In the 2004 general election, he stood as a candidate for the United New Democratic Party in the Dongducheon-Yangju region and was elected.

Though he lost once in 2008, he was continuously elected from the 19th to the 22nd National Assembly, contributing to Yangju becoming a stronghold of the Democratic Party.

In the National Assembly, he primarily worked on the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, serving multiple terms as the chair of the Special Committee on Judicial Reform.

Notably, he is a member of the core group "Seven Members," and he first connected with President Lee Jae-myung in 1987 through an academic society at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, maintaining their relationship ever since.

He supported President Lee closely, even during times when he was a minority within the party, and joined his campaign teams in both the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections. Since August of last year, he has been active as the chair of the party's talent recruitment committee, contributing to President Lee’s victory.

Immediately upon being nominated as Minister of Justice on the 29th, Jeong expressed his thoughts on his Facebook, stating, "I have been nominated as the first Minister of Justice under the Lee Jae-myung people's sovereign government," adding, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility stemming from the serious reality."

He further emphasized, "I will do my utmost to restore democracy and the rule of law, which were undermined by the emergency martial law last winter, and fulfill the historical mission of normalizing power agencies. I will lead efforts to implement fair and warm legal administration so that the law can return to its original function as a shield for the people and the vulnerable."

Image source: Jeong Seong-ho, Minister of Justice Candidate / News1, YouTube 'Channel A News', previously Jeong Seong-ho and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party in 2023 / News1