On February 10, the Democratic Party of Korea convened a general meeting to address internal disagreements over a potential merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. However, the gathering only reaffirmed strong opposition, effectively ruling out the possibility of pursuing a merger before the upcoming local elections.
Following the meeting, Democratic Party spokesperson Park Soo-hyun informed reporters that about 20 lawmakers spoke. While there was a shared understanding of the need for integration, the consensus was that pursuing a merger in the current climate is impractical, despite any potential justifications.
Park emphasized that members urged party leadership to swiftly reach a conclusion based on the day’s meeting results. The prevailing opinion suggested postponing discussions until after the local elections or exploring the possibility of an electoral alliance.
This internal conflict erupted when Representative Jeong Cheong-rae unexpectedly announced plans to merge with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party on January 22. He cited the need to ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and secure victory in the local elections as justification.
However, lawmakers and supporters, including the party leadership, strongly objected to the timing and procedures of the proposed merger. In the days that followed, heated debates resembling a civil war broke out both within and outside the party, further escalating tensions.
In an attempt to quell internal dissent, Representative Jeong held a general meeting to gather opinions. However, negative sentiments were already evident during a prior gathering of re-elected lawmakers known as “The Minjae,” where the atmosphere was decidedly unfavorable.
Kang Jun-hyun, chair of “The Minjae” and a Democratic Party lawmaker, told reporters, “The general consensus is to immediately halt merger discussions and focus on national priorities. The recent conduct of the top committee members has been disappointing. They need to apologize where necessary and better manage the processes that have exacerbated this conflict.”
During the subsequent general meeting, opposition to merging before the local elections remained strong. Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Jeong-hoon reported, “The overall trend leans towards halting discussions,” while fellow party member Park Ji-won suggested, “It would be better to postpone until after the local elections.”
With the party struggling to find a clear direction, the Democratic Party planned to hold a closed-door meeting of the top committee that evening to finalize their stance on the merger.
Meanwhile, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party’s frustration with the Democratic Party’s internal turmoil has reached a boiling point. Shin Jang-sik, the senior chairman of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, appeared on KBS Radio’s “Intense Interview” and demanded an answer by February 13, just before the Lunar New Year holiday. He criticized the Democratic Party for blaming their internal conflicts on the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.
Shin added, “It’s unfortunate that some individuals seem more focused on seizing control of the party ahead of the August convention than on winning the local elections.”
Senior spokesperson Park Byeong-eon of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party also addressed the issue on YTN Radio’s “The Interview,” dismissing claims that the merger was merely to pay off a 40 billion KRW (30 million USD) debt as baseless accusations. He asserted, “We are the victims here, having remained passive throughout this process. The Democratic Party should offer an appropriate apology.”
The Cho Kuk Innovation Party has indicated that if they do not receive a clear response by February 13, they will consider the merger off the table and pursue an independent path.
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