Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok, candidates for the upcoming Democratic Party convention in August, expressed contrasting views on the stalled merger with the Innovation Party. Jeong argued that the party should unite with the Innovation Party to strengthen its influence, while Kim emphasized the need for careful discussion before proceeding.
During a party member meeting in Sejong City on the 28th, Jeong stated, "We must unite with the Innovation Party to expand the Democratic Party's influence. After winning the general election, we should create a one-on-one contest against the People Power Party in the presidential election."
Jeong further stressed the importance of forming a coalition government through a unification process with the Innovation Party, asserting, "We need to establish a fifth Democratic government to prevent the People Power Party from gaining a foothold."
In response, Kim questioned the necessity of making a bold declaration regarding the merger with the Innovation Party. Speaking at a party event in Changwon, he remarked, "We need to discuss step by step whether to proceed with the merger and gather opinions first."
He added, "A merger should fundamentally reflect the will of both parties, and realistically, it is better to maintain the Democratic Party's name and policies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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