Jeong Bong-ju forms 'Open Democratic Party' to compete with Democratic Party for proportional representation seats... will not run for office

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju and former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Geun-sik have announced the founding of a provisional party called the 'Open Democratic Party.' They emphasized that it is a separate competing party, not a satellite party of the Democratic Party.

In a declaration under the name of Lee Geun-sik, the founding preparation committee chairman, he strongly criticized the satellite party Future Korea Party, saying, "This is not politics. It is a party outrage. It must be stopped at all costs."

He added, "This is an act to turn the Moon Jae-in administration into a plant government. Our 'Open Democratic Party' will protect President Moon Jae-in and throw our whole bodies into the path of his success. We will make a decision with the resolve to die."

Nevertheless, he made it clear that it is not a satellite party of the Democratic Party. He stated, "We will compete in clarity against the powerless Democratic Party, which is trapped in the illusion of centrism," "We will move forward with the goal of building a stronger, clearer, and more competent Democratic Party," and "Supporters are sending great concern and worry about the Democratic Party's attitude, which appears to be 'protecting its own interests.'"

He also proposed, "We suggest moving forward unconditionally together with the proportional representation party movements and their main forces and conditions being prepared diversely within the democratic camp."

Former lawmaker Jeong said, "I will not enter the National Assembly in the 21st general election. I will not be on the proportional representation list and will do my best as a committee member and party member for the successful founding of the Open Democratic Party."

He explained that the previously mentioned 'Third Way Minus 1' excluded himself. He said, "The Democratic Party is the root. We will be chosen by voters through a competition of clarity based on democratic values."

He continued, "We will not field local constituency candidates. The name reflects the inheritance of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and especially Roh Moo-hyun's spirit," adding, "Since there is no reason for competition and confrontation in local constituencies, we will compete in proportional representation."