[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] The United Future Party announced that it will unconditionally merge with the Future Korea Party by the 29th of this month. It also stated that a meeting between Floor Leader Joo Ho-young and Representative Won Yoo-chul is possible.
Bae Hyun-jin, the United Future Party's floor spokesperson, said in front of the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly main building on the 21st, "We will immediately prepare to hold a national committee meeting for the merger."
On the same day, the United Future Party held a workshop for elected members to discuss the merger with the Future Korea Party.
Spokesperson Bae said, "We promised the public and party members that we would become one after the election, and our position remains consistent," adding, "No other reasons or justifications are necessary. To negotiate with the ruling party holding 180 seats and win, we must move forward as a united front. Let us protect the lives of the people with united strength."
He continued, "In the last general election, our United Future Party had to choose the path of a proportional party as a desperate measure," expressing gratitude to Representative Won Yoo-chul, the lawmakers, and the elected members, then emphasized, "The abilities of the elected members will shine even more through the merger, so the merger is absolutely necessary."
Meanwhile, Yeom Dong-ryeol, Secretary-General of the Future Korea Party, stated that he had conveyed to the United Future Party that a physical merger within May would be difficult.
In response, Spokesperson Bae said, "I just saw the report a moment ago, and I understand that all elected members of the Future Korea Party have expressed a position urging the merger by the 29th."
On the same day, Kim Ki-seon, Chairman of the Policy Committee of the Future Korea Party, also visited the United Future Party to convey his opinion. Spokesperson Bae said, "Chairman Kim said, 'The United Future Party and the Future Korea Party are brother parties and one in spirit,'" adding, "'There is no one in the party who agrees with separate households. Please protect the dedication and honor of the lawmakers who went to the Korea Party.'"
The elected members of the United Future Party also emphasized that there are no disagreements regarding the merger. Spokesperson Bae said, "The rationale for the merger is to respond to the mixed-member proportional representation system created by the 1+4 coalition, so the position was concluded without disagreement," adding, "I believe the Future Korea Party will also acknowledge that the rationale for the merger is a promise made together with the people."
Regarding an additional meeting between Floor Leader Joo and Representative Won, he said, "Nothing is decided yet, but I think they can meet anytime."
The United Future Party will continue to hold a workshop for elected members on the 22nd to discuss whether to transition to the 'Kim Jong-in emergency committee' system.
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