Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, responded to claims from the Justice Innovation Party that there had been no discussions regarding a progressive coalition, stating, "We have already entered the discussion process." He also indicated that he would reveal the status of investigations into allegations of dual party membership and Shincheonji involvement at an appropriate time.
On September 17, during an appearance on the Democratic Party's official YouTube channel, Minty07, Kim said, "We have already met with the Innovation Party. I have instructed members of the coalition integration task force to continue outreach." He dismissed the claim that discussions on easing coalition requirements were not taking place, adding that talks are ongoing regarding issues raised by progressive parties, including the easing of coalition requirements.
The Democratic Party and the Innovation Party clashed the previous day over the criteria for easing coalition requirements. Kim's proposal to lower the threshold from the current 20 seats to 15 sparked a backlash from the Innovation Party, which claimed there had been no formal proposal for discussion. Officials from the Innovation Party, including Secretary-General Jeong Chun-sang, argued that the threshold should be lowered to 10 seats instead.
Regarding the issue of dual party membership, Kim emphasized that it must be addressed, especially in light of potential unification discussions with the Innovation Party. He stated, "There are cases of dual party membership within the progressive camp. This issue must be resolved before any unification discussions with the Innovation Party can realistically proceed."
Kim also noted that investigations into the issue of religious groups' membership in the party, which he raised during the party convention, are ongoing. He mentioned that the task force led by Supreme Council member Park Sun-won is working to resolve issues related to membership lists from Shincheonji and the Unification Church, stating, "The process is being conducted slowly and thoroughly. I understand there has been some progress."
He recalled that when he and President Lee Jae-myung raised the issue during his tenure as Prime Minister, related groups began their activities online the following day, saying, "I thought, 'They are marking their territory.'"
On September 17, during an appearance on the Democratic Party's official YouTube channel, Minty07, Kim said, "We have already met with the Innovation Party. I have instructed members of the coalition integration task force to continue outreach." He dismissed the claim that discussions on easing coalition requirements were not taking place, adding that talks are ongoing regarding issues raised by progressive parties, including the easing of coalition requirements.
The Democratic Party and the Innovation Party clashed the previous day over the criteria for easing coalition requirements. Kim's proposal to lower the threshold from the current 20 seats to 15 sparked a backlash from the Innovation Party, which claimed there had been no formal proposal for discussion. Officials from the Innovation Party, including Secretary-General Jeong Chun-sang, argued that the threshold should be lowered to 10 seats instead.
Regarding the issue of dual party membership, Kim emphasized that it must be addressed, especially in light of potential unification discussions with the Innovation Party. He stated, "There are cases of dual party membership within the progressive camp. This issue must be resolved before any unification discussions with the Innovation Party can realistically proceed."
Kim also noted that investigations into the issue of religious groups' membership in the party, which he raised during the party convention, are ongoing. He mentioned that the task force led by Supreme Council member Park Sun-won is working to resolve issues related to membership lists from Shincheonji and the Unification Church, stating, "The process is being conducted slowly and thoroughly. I understand there has been some progress."
He recalled that when he and President Lee Jae-myung raised the issue during his tenure as Prime Minister, related groups began their activities online the following day, saying, "I thought, 'They are marking their territory.'"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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