In Nak-yeon Officially Announces Party Formation in January, Proposes New Political Alternative... Concerns from Byeong-gye Faction

"Now Is a Political Dark Age... Need to Present a National Vision"
Concerns Even from the Opposition... Criticism of "Rushing"

Former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon, has officially announced the establishment of a new party in January next year, raising growing concerns within the party that this could cause internal division ahead of next year's general election. Even non-mainstream faction lawmakers showed expressions of "bewilderment" at Lee's announcement of the new party. However, Lee emphasized that he aims to overcome the drawbacks of the two major party system through an alternative party called the 'Lee Nak-yeon New Party,' stating, "I will create responsible politics that can give hope to the people and a competent nation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 14th, Lee appeared on KBS Radio and reiterated his intention to establish the new party, saying, "In early January next year, I will report to the people on how we plan to do this (found the new party)." While criticizing the Yoon Seok-youl administration's failures, he also pointed out that the Democratic Party "is not becoming an alternative," focusing on the necessity of creating a new party. Lee said, "The current political despair and dark age are partly the responsibility of the Democratic Party," adding, "If the Lee Nak-yeon New Party is to be an alternative, it must present a national vision." He explained that an alternative force capable of addressing the five major crises?pandemic crisis, digital transformation, climate crisis, energy transition, and population crisis?must emerge. He also said, "I hope to be of some small help."

The key issue is gathering people who will join the new party. When asked about alliances with Yang Hyang-ja, who previously founded a 'third zone' new party, and former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who is preparing to establish a party, Lee said, "I have met both of them. I found room for possible alignment," leaving the door open for cooperation.

Regarding a meeting with Lee Jae-myung, known as the so-called 'Myeong-Nak meeting,' Lee drew a line. He said, "If there is a confirmed will to radically improve the Democratic Party and regain the people's trust, I would meet anytime, but if not, would it have any meaning?"

However, within the Democratic Party, voices of concern about 'division' before the general election are rising over Lee's new party. There are also criticisms that if opposition votes split due to the Lee Nak-yeon New Party, it would benefit the ruling party and could lead to a loss to the People Power Party in next year's general election. Lee countered, saying, "I am proposing an alternative for those who dislike both major parties, not trying to take away those who support either party," adding, "It is disrespectful to the people to block choices without improving internal issues."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, even non-mainstream faction lawmakers are expressing skeptical views about Lee's new party. On the same day, members of the non-mainstream faction group 'Principles and Common Sense,' who are at odds with Lee Jae-myung, distanced themselves from Lee's new party declaration, saying he is "rushing." Lawmaker Lee Won-wook said on SBS Radio, "I am very bewildered. We need to catch our breath, but it feels like suddenly jumping into the ring and sprinting 100 meters." Lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon said on CBS Radio, "He is proceeding independently of us," adding, "I wonder if even getting the number 3 on the ballot will be easy." Pro-Moon Jae-in faction lawmaker Yoon Gun-young also expressed concerns on MBC Radio, saying, "I feel like I want to carry a lunchbox and stop him."