South Korean Party Proposes Alliance with Democrats, Prioritizing Solidarity Over Merger

Shin Jang-shik, acting leader of the New Reform Party (Jop-Jop), has proposed the formation of a "national operation one-team platform" aimed at uniting the broader democratic and reformist political forces, particularly in collaboration with the Democratic Party. The proposal comes as Shin emphasizes the critical need for solidarity within the progressive camp to ensure the success of the current administration.

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What we need now is the power of a grand alliance.

Speaking at a press conference, Shin suggested elevating the "roundtable meeting" concept, utilized during the last presidential election, into a permanent consultative body for national governance. "What we need now is the power of a grand alliance," Shin stated, arguing that a cohesive "one team" with strong teamwork is essential for driving the nation's progress. He pledged that the New Reform Party would dedicate itself to this collective effort, paving the way for public victory.

Addressing questions about whether this proposal signaled a difficulty in merging with the Democratic Party, Shin clarified his stance. "I do not believe that a merger itself is the goal," he explained. "The New Reform Party believes in self-reliance as the foundation, solidarity as essential, and merger as optional." He further stressed that "solidarity should be practiced as easily as eating and drinking," noting that failures in solidarity had led to unsatisfactory results in recent local elections. Shin expressed concern about the future, stating, "Thinking about 2028 and 2030, I even feel a sense of dread."

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I do not believe that a merger itself is the goal. The New Reform Party believes in self-reliance as the foundation, solidarity as essential, and merger as optional.

Shin reiterated that while merger is a choice to be discussed later, the core principle remains: "self-reliance as the foundation, solidarity as essential, and merger as optional." He concluded by distinguishing between being a "one team" and being a "strong team," emphasizing that while the goal of supporting the current administration's success and continuing the democratic government is clear, becoming a strong team requires continuous self-evaluation and questioning.

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Thinking about 2028 and 2030, I even feel a sense of dread.