'Korean Party and Saebosu Party Participation' Integration Promotion Committee Formed Abruptly… Park Hyung-jun Appointed as Chairman

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Conservative and centrist parties and civic groups, including the Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party, agreed on the 9th to form the Innovation Integration Promotion Committee (Tongchuwi). The chairman will be Professor Park Hyung-joon of Dong-A University (co-chair of Liberty and Republic), who previously served as the Secretary-General of the National Assembly.

The joint meeting of representatives from political parties and civil society organizations for the grand integration of centrists and conservatives was held at the Seoul Press Center on the same day, where this resolution was made, according to Ahn Hyung-hwan, Secretary-General of the National Integration Solidarity. At the meeting, Representative Lee Yang-su represented the Liberty Korea Party, and Representative Jung Byung-guk represented the New Conservative Party. In addition, civic groups such as the Preparatory Committee for the Launch of Lee Eon-ju’s Jinjin 4.0, the Preparatory Committee for the Joint National Voice Party led by Jang Ki-pyo, the Barun Society Civic Meeting, the Nuclear Power National Solidarity, the Pan-Civil Society Solidarity, Liberty and Republic, Hanbyun, and the National Integration Solidarity also participated.

They decided to form the Tongchuwi for the grand integration of centrists and conservatives and appointed Professor Park, who served as Secretary-General of the National Assembly, as chairman. The principle of grand integration was set as “innovation and integration,” and they agreed that the integration would pursue the era’s values of “freedom and fairness.” The target of integration was defined as “pursuing the grand integration of all forces in the centrist and conservative spectrum opposing the Moon Jae-in administration.” Additionally, they resolved that “the impeachment issue should no longer be an obstacle to winning the general election” and that “integration should transcend generations and embrace the hearts of the youth.”

Finally, they agreed to create a new party embodying and practicing this spirit.

Secretary-General Ahn explained that both the Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party agreed to this decision. He said, “Representative Lee Yang-su gave consent under the authorization of Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn,” and “the New Conservative Party also agreed to the announcement.”

Secretary-General Ahn said, “The general election is approaching. We started urgently because visible results need to come out before the Lunar New Year,” and “we plan to appoint other committee members centered on Chairman Park to discuss integration promotion methods.” Regarding the possibility of participation by the Our Republican Party, he said, “We sent an official letter but received no response, so we proceeded for now,” adding, “We will discuss that issue going forward.”

He also expressed a positive stance on the possibility of contact after former Representative Ahn Cheol-soo’s return to Korea. He said, “The specific schedule and methods will be decided by the Tongchuwi,” and “We pursue the integration of all forces in the centrist and conservative spectrum opposing the Moon Jae-in administration. We intend to include any faction or force.”

When asked whether the “new party” meant the founding of a new party, he replied, “I think it is possible,” adding, “The integration schedule and methods should be concretely decided before the Lunar New Year.”