Open Democratic Party Urges Unity Negotiations with the ruling party

Kim Jin-ae, the Open Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is holding a press conference related to the by-election at the National Assembly Press Hall on the 5th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 8th, the Open Democratic Party held a 1st anniversary celebration and a unified candidate victory kickoff rally for Kim Jin-ae, the Seoul mayoral candidate, urging the Democratic Party of Korea to negotiate unification.

Jeong Bong-ju, the election countermeasure committee chairman, said in his opening remarks, "There has been no sincere response from the Democratic Party regarding unification," and pressured, "Since when did the Democratic Party become a defensive party just waiting for persimmons to fall under the persimmon tree?" Jeong added, "It is deeply regrettable that they have misjudged comrades as a group begging for unification, seemingly trying to become sinners of history themselves," and said, "They will probably come to their senses only when the fire is on their feet."

Candidate Kim Jin-ae also said, "You all know that this election is quite tight," and added, "I believe the entire democratic camp shares the sense of crisis that if we play it safe, we might safely lose." After finishing the press conference announcing her pledges, Kim also revealed, "I met with the Speaker of the National Assembly at 9 a.m. and submitted my resignation letter."