[Reporter’s Notebook] Lee Jae-myung's Growth and Integration Losing Its Way

'Growth and Integration,' known as the think tank of Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and a presidential primary candidate, is facing a crisis of dissolution less than ten days after its official launch. On April 24, Growth and Integration was in a state of turmoil throughout the day. Internal members continued to make conflicting claims, with some saying, "The organization will be disbanded," while others dismissed such talk as "groundless." One division chair within Growth and Integration even asked a reporter, "What happens now?" in apparent confusion. Even key executives within the organization were unable to grasp the current state of affairs.

The background to the division within Growth and Integration is said to be an internal power struggle among those surrounding Lee Jae-myung, a leading presidential candidate, over control of the "next power." Growth and Integration, which launched on April 16, is a mammoth-scale external organization comprising over 500 experts from various fields. The seeds of conflict were detected immediately after its launch. Confusion arose as policy messages that had not been coordinated with Lee Jae-myung's primary campaign emerged from the external think tank. Notable examples include the proposal to introduce a "second address system" for citizens and policies emphasizing "happiness," both advocated by Growth and Integration.

There are also criticisms that, although a variety of pledges are being announced from various corners of the campaign, there is no control tower. The organizations researching Lee Jae-myung's presidential pledges include not only Growth and Integration, led by co-chairs Yoo Jong-il and Heo Min, but also Lee Jae-myung's primary campaign led by policy director Yoon Hu-deok, the party's Policy Committee (headed by Jin Sung-jun), the Democratic Research Institute (headed by Lee Han-joo), the Government Plan Headquarters (led by Kim Min-seok), the Future Economic Growth Strategy Committee (led by Lee Un-ju), and various standing committees of the National Assembly. There is no one responsible for integrating and coordinating these policies, nor is there leadership to guide communication.

While it is important to consider that the final candidate has not yet been determined, this structure inevitably leads to ongoing confusion. A party Policy Committee official drew a line, saying, "The operation of Growth and Integration seems to be an issue that should be resolved within the organization itself." It is known that Lee Jae-myung's primary campaign has repeatedly warned against the public disclosure of uncoordinated policy issues by Growth and Integration. A campaign official said, "There were concerns that the policy advisory group could be perceived as the organization in charge of the next core policies."

Lee Jae-myung has refrained from making direct comments on the internal strife within Growth and Integration. A Democratic Party official, speaking on condition of anonymity, offered only a principled statement: "We give everyone a chance and continue working together if results are achieved." Growth and Integration is a group of experts from various fields gathered for a new Republic of Korea. The organization has focused on "recovery and growth" to overcome the 12·3 rebellion led by former President Yoon Seok-yeol and the economic crisis.

They have stated their ultimate goal is to realize a happy society through national integration and economic growth. However, Lee Jae-myung's efforts to broaden his base to moderates and conservatives have only just begun, and already there are signs of instability. Now is the time for leadership to ensure that the slogan of "Jalsanism" does not end as mere rhetoric.