Jo Hae-jin: "People's Party Merger Must Happen Before June... Yoon Seok-yeol Must Join by August to Qualify as Candidate"

Yoon Seok-yeol Must Hold Responsible Party Member Status for Three Months to Run

Rep. Jo Hae-jin of the People Power Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Jo Hae-jin, a lawmaker running for the People Power Party (PPP) leadership election, argued that the merger with the People’s Party should be completed before the PPP’s party convention, which is before June. He emphasized that the party should open its doors to allow People’s Party members to participate in the convention.

On the 6th, Jo stated on KBS Radio’s “Choi Kyung-young’s Strong Current Affairs” in response to a question about the timing of the merger with the People’s Party, “Since both the People’s Party and our party (People Power Party) are parties involved in the integration, the same rules should apply to both.” He added, “By merging and holding the next party convention as a unified convention, not only People Power Party members but also People’s Party members can run for party leader, join the Supreme Council, get elected, and all party members from both parties can exercise their voting rights to elect a new leadership. Reflecting their policy intentions in this way is the most natural and appropriate timing in the eyes of the public, and they will see that the promise has been kept.”

The current PPP party convention is expected to take place in late May or early June.

He pointed out, “If this timing is missed, people will feel that the promise has been broken or that the original intent has been abandoned, and that the promise is being delayed or dragged out. From that point on, both parties or their leadership will be hurt.”

Jo also said that former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol should join the PPP by August, when he can officially enter the party. He explained, “Around July 9 is the time for presidential primary candidates to register,” and “By around August 9, those who will participate in the party’s primary should have joined the party.” He added that to qualify as a presidential candidate, one must maintain the status of a responsible party member for three months.

Regarding the possibility of a last-minute entry, he said, “If unification happens close to the presidential election, it could create dramatic synergy, but there are variables and risks involved.”

Regarding Hong Joon-pyo, an independent presidential candidate outside the party, rejoining the PPP, he said, “He should come back quickly.”