Democratic Party leadership hopefuls divided on merger with Cho Kuk's party

Divergent views on merging with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party are emerging among the leading candidates for the Democratic Party's upcoming August 17 leadership election, potentially making the merger a key issue in the race.

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok presented his "Four Major Innovation Plans" for the Democratic Party, including "promoting a winning grand unification." He outlined "three principles for a merger with the Innovation Party": approval from Democratic Party members, approval from Innovation Party members, and the maintenance of the Democratic Party's name and identity. Kim suggested that if these conditions are met, a merger is possible, but if any condition fails, an alliance would be a suitable alternative. This indicates he is not prioritizing an immediate merger.

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Democratic Party members' approval, Innovation Party members' approval, and the maintenance of the Democratic Party's name and identity. If all three conditions are met, we can merge. If even one condition is not met, then we can form an alliance.

In contrast, former party leader Jeong Cheong-rae expressed a strong desire to expedite merger discussions if elected. He stated his regret over not holding a party-wide vote on a merger proposal in January and vowed to put the matter to a party-wide vote if he becomes leader.

Song Young-gil, another contender, voiced opposition to an immediate merger. In a radio interview, he argued, "I oppose merging at this very moment." He suggested that the decision on a merger should be made based on the situation closer to the general election, though he believes an election alliance would be feasible.

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If I become party leader, I will ask for the opinion of all party members on the merger.

The differing stances stem from the candidates' strategies to attract different voter bases. Jeong Cheong-rae is focusing on mobilizing traditional Democratic Party supporters who are generally favorable towards a merger. Kim and Song, however, are emphasizing the need to expand the party's reach to a broader electorate.

The Cho Kuk Innovation Party has expressed discomfort with the ongoing discussions. Shin Jang-sik, the sole candidate for the Innovation Party's leadership, posted on Facebook, "We hope for basic respect and courtesy towards our party." He added, "We will focus on strengthening ourselves first. Discussing an immediate merger feels premature."

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I oppose merging at this very moment. The decision on whether to merge should be made based on the situation closer to the general election, but I believe an election alliance is possible then.

Further complicating the political landscape, Song Young-gil criticized Jeong Cheong-rae's earlier remarks about the by-election in Pyeongtaek, where the Democratic Party did not field a candidate against Cho Kuk's wife. Song called the comments "irresponsible," comparing them to a parent regretting having a child. Jeong's supporters, including Choi Min-hee, retaliated by criticizing Song's choice of words, referencing his past controversial statements.

This internal debate within the Democratic Party over the merger with the Innovation Party highlights the complex political calculations and differing visions for the party's future direction.

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We hope for basic respect and courtesy towards our party. We will focus on strengthening ourselves first. Discussing an immediate merger feels premature.