The ruling Saenuri Party’s factional leaders have chosen to serve in a parliamentary committee on foreign affairs and inter-Korea relations in the upcoming National Assembly, a move seen to solidify their positions as presidential candidates.

The Saenuri Party’s former leader Rep. Kim Moo-sung and former Financial Minister Choi Kyung-hwan have applied for positions at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, according to party sources Tuesday. Kim leads the faction that challenges loyalists to President Park Geun-hye and Choi is a key member of the pro-Park faction.

Although the committee is relatively unpopular among lawmakers whose interest centers on domestic issues that can resonate with local voters, presumptive presidential candidates consider the committee a prime opportunity to gain experience on foreign affairs and national defense.

“He has had strong interest in inter-Korea relations since he served as party chairman,” said an aide to the former leader on customary condition of anonymity. Choi’s staff said that the former finance minister needs leadership experience outside financial matters.

The assignment of the parliamentary committee seats is determined by negotiation between party members. The parties agreed last week to ensure that the parliamentary committee should be set up no later than June 9, almost a week after the upcoming Assembly kicks off.

For political bigwigs at opposition camps, the Strategy and Finance Committee is the most sought-after post as it deals with tax policies and budget review. The committee can also hold parliamentary hearings over state agencies related to economic policies and decide whether to pass contentious business bills.

The Minjoo Party of Korea leader Kim Chong-in is reportedly considering serving in the Strategy and Finance Committee to achieve his goal of “economic democratization.” The former economics professor has long advocated this as a means to prevent economic dominance by family-owned conglomerates.

Seats on the finance committee are also being sought by progressive Justice Party leader Rep. Sim Sang-jeung and moderate independent Rep. Yoo Seung-min -- former Saenuri lawmaker who defected from the party after a fallout with President Park over her veto of parliamentary law last June.

Meanwhile, People’s Party leader Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo reportedly told his party that he hopes to work in the Education, Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. The former entrepreneur has criticized the national policies for failing to deliver innovative education and seeks to secure wider autonomy in educational entities.

By Yeo Jun-suk  (jasonyeo@koreaherald.com)