[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] With the launch of the proportional representation party platform 'The Together Citizens Party,' led mainly by the Democratic Party of Korea, the support base among pro-Moon Jae-in (Pro-Moon) supporters has solidified, but pessimistic analyses follow regarding the expansion of the party's appeal to the moderate electorate. This is due to the uncoordinated process of gathering minor parties.
Another platform party, the Political Reform Alliance (Jeonggaeryeon), which was not chosen by the Democratic Party, held a press conference on the afternoon of the 18th, stating, "Despite boundless disappointment and anger, we are willing to participate in any discussions for the success of the electoral coalition party. The Democratic Party leadership must promptly provide a responsible response to our request." This is interpreted as opening the door for negotiations toward platform integration.
Jeonggaeryeon emphasized, "We only hope that the electoral coalition party will prevent becoming a satellite party of the Democratic Party, stand before the people without shame, and uphold principles."
Currently, minor parties outside the National Assembly that have not decided to join The Together Citizens Party within the progressive camp include the Green Party, the Future Party, and the Minjung Party. Although The Together Citizens Party has advocated for an 'open-door departure,' it is uncertain whether these parties will willingly participate.
Yoon Ho-jung, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, said the day before, "There are difficulties in forming coalitions with parties that would cause unnecessary exhausting debates over ideological issues or LGBTQ+ issues." The 'ideological issues' he mentioned are interpreted as targeting the far-left Minjung Party, and the 'LGBTQ+ issues' as aimed at the Green Party, which nominated a transgender candidate for proportional representation.
Woo Hee-jong, co-representative of The Together Citizens Party, also said in a morning interview on tbs radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' when asked about the possibility of integration with the Green Party, Future Party, and Political Reform Alliance, "It is realistically impossible," adding, "Although we said 'open-door departure,' I believe that phase is over."
If this trend continues, it cannot be ruled out that the three parties?the Green Party, Future Party, and Minjung Party?may join forces again with Jeonggaeryeon to field proportional candidates. In such a case, the progressive camp will inevitably compete with conservative parties divided into four groups: The Together Citizens Party, Jeonggaeryeon, the Open Democratic Party, and the Justice Party.
Some worry about the defection of moderate voters who are disillusioned with divided politics. A political insider said, "The progressive vote has only been dispersed across several parties, but the share within the progressive camp remains the same. The problem lies with the moderate electorate; if negative public opinion about participation in proportional parties is compounded by a divided appearance, it could accelerate the defection of moderates."
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