Conservative Coalition Theory Resurfaces Amid Opposition Crisis... Will They Unite Against the Democratic Party?

Lee Junseok Hints at Alliance with Ahn Cheolsoo and Oh Sehoon
Says Cooperation with Pro-Han Faction Depends on Their Attitude
People Power Party Steps Up Confrontation with Ruling Bloc

As the 9th nationwide local elections approach next year, the possibility of a political realignment is drawing attention, with renewed discussions about a centrist-conservative coalition united by opposition to the Democratic Party of Korea. This movement is closely linked to the growing perception among opposition parties that a coalition is needed to counterbalance the government's and ruling party's aggressive push on issues such as the Yellow Envelope Act and prosecutorial reform. However, analysts suggest that due to significant differences in perceptions of martial law and impeachment within the broader conservative bloc, selective alliances are more likely than a full-scale coalition.

Reform New Party leader Lee Junseok is making remarks criticizing the post-pardon actions of Jo Guk, head of the Jo Guk Innovation Policy Research Institute of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, during the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On September 5, Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, appeared on BBS Radio's "Morning Journal with Geum Taeseop" and was asked whether he would consider joining forces with the pro-impeachment faction within the People Power Party. He responded, "If the difference between the pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions is as wide as the Han River under the broad currents of martial law and impeachment, then the gap between myself and Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsoo is more like the Jungnangcheon Stream. There are many things I could potentially work on with Assemblyman Ahn."

The previous day, during an interview with YTN Radio, Lee also mentioned his personal connection to Ahn, as his close friend became Ahn's son-in-law, and said, "Assemblyman Ahn's actions after the period of martial law have been very clear and aligned with my own direction, so I am very interested in him." Lee also commented on Oh Sehoon, the Mayor of Seoul from the People Power Party, stating, "Mayor Oh and I have many political connections and I consider us to be on the same team, but since we are in different parties, only a limited alliance is possible at the moment."

In particular, Lee addressed the pro-Han faction, including former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, saying, "They have been the most aggressive in attacking the Reform New Party," but also left the door open, adding, "Whether an alliance is possible depends on how much they are willing to change their stance." While an immediate and active coalition, such as a merger between the Reform New Party and the pro-impeachment faction within the People Power Party, is unlikely, analysts note that the shared goals of winning next year's local elections and checking the Democratic Party could lead to future cooperation. Mayor Oh has been especially proactive, telling reporters on September 3, "Whether it is a merger with the Reform New Party or an electoral alliance, I believe we need to work together in any form to keep the runaway train (the Democratic Party) in check."

The People Power Party also sees the need to broaden its base, especially after declaring an all-out confrontation with the Democratic Party following the attempted search and seizure of the office of floor leader Cho Eunseok's special prosecutor team. On this day, Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at a party strategy meeting, "It has been confirmed that this search and seizure was nothing more than censorship and political retaliation against Assemblyman Chu Kyungho, who had criticized the Democratic Party's legislative overreach, and against the People Power Party." He added, "This marks the starting point for exposing the Democratic Party's incitement of insurrection and for the People Power Party to restore its honor." Depending on the progress of the special prosecutor's investigation and the ruling party's legislative actions, the People Power Party plans to mobilize all available means, including its first street protests in six years, to confront these moves. Kwak Gyutaek, the party's chief spokesperson for the floor, stated, "(Street protests) have not yet been decided. Discussions are ongoing."