Minor opposition party picks Rep. Shim Sang-jung as new chief

SEOUL, July 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's minor opposition Justice Party on Saturday picked Rep. Shim Sang-jung as it new leader as it moves to forge a position for itself in the country's political landscape.

The two-term lawmaker beat former party chief Roh Hoe-chan in a run-off vote, in which she won 52.5 percent of the support from party members.

The results mark a turnaround from the first round of voting, where Roh came in first.

Shim's victory comes as the center-left progressive party, with just five lawmakers, tries to forge an identity for itself as it is overshadowed by the ruling Saenuri Party, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, and the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy.

The Justice Party said it will hold a meeting Sunday to officially announce the election results.

yonngong@yna.co.kr
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