Democratic Party leader: Unification with Cho Kuk's party for by-election 'realistically difficult'

Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, has expressed that a unified candidacy between Kim Yong-nam of his party and Cho Kuk of the Jo Guk Innovation Party for the upcoming June 3 Pyeongtaek B parliamentary by-election is facing significant hurdles. He stated that the unification is "realistically difficult" at this stage.

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It has become realistically difficult.

Jeong cited a report from a meeting between the secretaries-general of both parties on May 27, indicating that discussions on unification were virtually non-existent. "I was informed that there were no discussions at all, rather than saying they were canceled," Jeong said during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Kim Ou-joon's Humble News Factory'.

Kim Yong-nam has already registered as the Democratic Party's official candidate, complete with the party leader's seal. Jeong urged party members to actively support Kim's campaign, acknowledging internal divisions within the party regarding his candidacy. He expressed hope that Kim would effectively address any emerging controversies.

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I was informed that there were no discussions at all, rather than saying they were canceled.

However, Jeong did not entirely close the door on potential future negotiations. He suggested that if Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Freedom and Innovation Party, were to withdraw, prompting a potential unification with Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party, the Democratic Party would need to reassess the situation. A key figure within the Democratic Party confirmed the difficulties, stating, "The Innovation Party is unilaterally pressuring (Candidate Kim) to withdraw, which we cannot accept. A unification primary is physically impossible in the current situation."

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The Innovation Party is unilaterally pressuring (Candidate Kim) to withdraw, which we cannot accept. A unification primary is physically impossible in the current situation.