The power vacuum could generate an obstacle in the preparation of the Asian sports festival, which starts in three years.
The organizing committee is at a loss. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry is known to have decided to give Lee a second term but has yet to give its confirmation.
Kim Ki-hong, in charge of sports at the ministry, said, “Until we find a successor, Lee will lead the organizing committee. It’s not easy to find a figure who can elicit cooperation from the central government and the Incheon city government.”
The chairman is appointed by the culture minister, approved by the president, and confirmed by the general assembly of the organizing committee.
As Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah will visit Korea Tuesday next week, the organizing committee should prepare for on-site inspections of the venue and hold a coordination committee meeting. The organizing committee has problems in doing so because the chairman’s post remains vacant.
An organizing committee source blamed the government, saying, “The central government must show a clear stance on whether to reappoint Lee or to decide on a successor.”
The problem is that Incheon and the ministry are engaging in a power struggle over the chairman post. Incheon Mayor Song Young-gil, who belongs to the main opposition Democratic Party and chairs the Incheon Asian Games executive committee, wants to either become chairman or appoint one of his close aides.
The ministry, however, wants Lee to be reappointed or select another figure from the central government.
If the vacancy of the chairmanship is prolonged, the 2014 Asiad could suffer from poor preparation. Many say Korea’s international reputation can also be hurt.
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Source: The Dong-A Ilbo
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