The Justice Innovation Party is actively pursuing a coalition with progressive forces following the June 3 local elections and the National Assembly by-elections. On June 22, floor leader Kim Jun-hyung met with Hong Ik-pyo, the senior political secretary, and Yoon Jong-oh, the new floor leader of the Progressive Party, in a bid to restore relations.
Kim expressed to Hong, "For the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the progressive and reformist forces must unite." Hong responded by urging the Justice Innovation Party, which has endured political turmoil, to stand together with the Lee administration as political allies.
Kim also acknowledged the tensions from the Pyeongtaek by-election, stating, "While we have both suffered wounds, they are minor compared to the greater cause of resolving political turmoil and ensuring the success of the Lee administration." Yoon echoed this sentiment, calling the Justice Innovation Party the most progressive party and advocating for collaboration to eliminate political turmoil and achieve social reform.
Since his election, Kim has consistently emphasized the importance of a progressive coalition. On the day of his election, he remarked, "As the progressive and reformist forces show signs of division, the forces of political turmoil are quick to retaliate. The resolution of political turmoil and the recovery of people's livelihoods cannot be achieved without the unity and cooperation of the progressive forces."
On June 19, Kim met with Han Byung-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, and stated, "We view the Democratic Party as our ally and comrade. I believe that political reform, the resolution of political turmoil, and judicial reform have yet to be completed." Han responded, acknowledging their past competition but emphasizing their shared goals of restoring democracy and completing reforms.
Additionally, Shin Jang-sik, the acting representative of the Justice Innovation Party, held a press conference the previous day, stating, "To ensure the success of a government of popular sovereignty, we must become a cohesive 'one team' and dedicate ourselves to paving the way for the people's victory." He also proposed a 'One Team Platform' for government operations, suggesting that the roundtable discussions from the last presidential election be elevated to a permanent consultative body.
However, the Democratic Party has distanced itself from Shin's proposal for the One Team Platform, stating, "It has not yet been discussed." While the Democratic Party has shown some agreement with the Justice Innovation Party's desire for coalition, it has adopted a cautious stance regarding government operations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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