Kim Chong-in, an economist-turned-politician and member of the ruling Saenuri Party’s emergency committee for the April general elections, has reportedly been tapped to head the campaign for presidential frontrunner Park Geun-hye.

Kim will be appointed co-chairman of the campaign committee alongside former lawmaker and key pro-Park member Hong Sa-duck, local news reports said.

Kim is the drafter of the “economic democratization” provision of the Constitution in 1987. Economic democratization has been a key catchphrase for the rival parties to woo voters in this election year.

“If Kim is here (with us), it will be significant in a way that, however the opposition forces try, they will not be able to take away the ‘economic democratization’ flag from us,” Hong was quoted as telling Yonhap News.

Kim, a former professor at Sogang University, headed the economic affairs at Cheong Wa Dae and served as the health minister during the Roh Tae-woo administration.

He also served four National Assembly terms until he lost his seat in 1993 upon being arrested on bribery charges.

Kim reportedly told local media that he will be joining the Park camp to play several roles.

As the Saenuri Party reels from the primary rule debate instigated by the underdogs demanding fully open primaries, Park is expected to formally declare her bid early next month in time with the launch of her camp.

By Lee Joo-hee (jhl@heraldcorp.com)