Criticism of "Policy Confusion" Emerges Within Democratic Party
Confusion Continues Amid Claims That "Dissolution Is Not a Fact"
"Growth and Integration," a think tank that had drawn attention as being affiliated with Lee Jae Myung, a presidential primary candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea, was dissolved on April 24, just eight days after its launch, amid controversy over policy confusion and alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act. However, confusion continues as some within the organization claim that the dissolution is not a fact.
At the launch ceremony of the think tank "Growth and Integration" led by Lee Jae Myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Yoo Jong Il (left) and Heo Min, co-chairmen, are applauding. Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, Growth and Integration announced its dissolution in a statement issued under the name of the "Planning and Operations Committee," stating, "At 11 a.m. on April 23, all attendees unanimously agreed to dissolve the organization."
The committee emphasized, "We have gathered wisdom to serve as a guide toward a new Republic of Korea with practical policies and visions that transcend ideology and political camps," adding, "We have completed a policy report through both online and offline meetings of each committee, marking a conclusion."
They continued, "We have decided not to remain in the same place. Although we are stopping here now, this pause is a new beginning," adding, "We hope that the spirit of growth and integration will continue in each of our respective positions."
The organization was launched in a grand ceremony at the National Assembly Library on April 16, attended by over 550 experts from various fields. However, after the launch, it postponed its previously announced schedules and appeared to have suspended its activities. It had planned to hold a symposium on artificial intelligence (AI) as its first public event on April 28, but this was postponed. Yoo Jong Il, co-chairman, also canceled a special lecture for Democratic Party lawmakers on "The New Government's Economic Policy Direction," which was scheduled for April 22 at the National Assembly.
However, co-chairmen Yoo Jong Il and Heo Min objected, stating, "Although there was an opinion about a developmental dissolution, no final resolution has been made." In a statement released on the same day, they said, "The press release regarding the dissolution of 'Growth and Integration' was not acknowledged by co-chairmen Yoo Jong Il and Heo Min," and added, "After completing the policy proposal book, we are still discussing the direction of future activities."
They further stated, "We are considering ways to deliver the policy proposal book to each party, as providing it to a specific campaign could potentially violate election law," and added, "We will faithfully fulfill our original function and role of policy production, regardless of party affiliation."
Within political circles and beyond, concerns were raised that Growth and Integration, having attracted excessive attention since the primary stage, had instead caused confusion. Some speculated that direct or indirect warnings may have been delivered from Lee's campaign. In fact, the party leadership expressed considerable caution about policies that had not been officially reviewed being publicized through other channels as if they were Democratic Party pledges or Lee's campaign promises.
Jin Sung Joon, chairman of the Policy Committee, stated, "There are significant concerns inside and outside the party about premature policy pledges being reported when the candidate has not even been decided," and instructed the committee to investigate the circumstances behind such reports and to consider measures such as preventing recurrence and imposing disciplinary action.
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