Jeong Cheongrae Proposes Merger with Innovation Party... Jo Guk Says "Will Decide After Listening to Party Members" (Comprehensive)

Jeong Cheongrae Holds Emergency Press Conference to Propose Merger
Jo Guk: "Will Consult Within the Party and Report to the Public"
Democratic Party Members Voice Opposition Over Merger Procedures

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has made a sudden proposal to merge with the Party for National Innovation ahead of the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3. If the two parties successfully merge, it is expected to alter the landscape of the local elections, affecting not only the competitive dynamics in the Honam region but also voter sentiment in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, since the merger issue is a politically sensitive matter, internal friction within both parties is anticipated.

On the morning of the 22nd, Jeong held an emergency press conference and officially proposed the merger with the Innovation Party. He stated, "We have overcome the December 3 Martial Law together, and we fought side by side in the presidential election to launch the Lee Jaemyung administration. I hope we can also contest this June 3 local election together."

Although Jeong's proposal was presented as an emergency measure, it had been coordinated in advance with the Innovation Party. Park Suhyeon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, "We have communicated with Jo Guk, leader of the Party for National Innovation, on this issue several times, and yesterday afternoon we reached an agreement to announce the proposal."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding an emergency press conference at the National Assembly on the 22nd, proposing a merger with the Party for National Innovation. 2026.1.22 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jo Guk, who visited Jeonju in Jeonbuk Province to preside over an on-site Supreme Council meeting, stated, "Late yesterday evening, I met with Representative Jeong and was informed of today's announcement. I will listen carefully to the voices of the public and our party members to determine the best course of action." He continued, "The Innovation Party will discuss and decide based on the direction indicated by the will and sentiment of the people. We will report the results to the public as soon as a decision is made."

With the sudden announcement of the merger proposal, both parties are expected to begin internal discussions regarding the merger. However, there are variables, as concerns about internal communication have been raised within the Democratic Party. The merger could become a variable that impacts the prospects of candidates preparing for the local elections. Assemblyman Jang Cheolmin of the Democratic Party stated via social media, "I oppose the unilateral push for a merger without consulting party members. Even the Supreme Council members were informed only 20 minutes before the press conference, and National Assembly members only learned about the merger initiative through the news." Assemblyman Mo Kyungjong of the Democratic Party also said, "A merger must proceed after confirming the opinions of party members. Please listen to the voices within our party before seeking answers from the Innovation Party."

Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, is presiding over an on-site Supreme Council meeting at the Jeonbuk Provincial Party Office in Jeonju, Jeonbuk Province on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

The Party for National Innovation's internal coordination process is also drawing attention. Before announcing his position on the merger, Jo Guk introduced the Innovation Party's stance on Jeonbuk, stating, "We will use this local election as an opportunity to compete for innovation in Jeonbuk." Even though he was aware of the merger proposal in advance, his suggestion of possible competition in the Honam region is noteworthy. The Innovation Party, which has advocated a "together yet separate" approach regarding the local elections, has consistently emphasized its competitive stance against the Democratic Party in Honam.

There is also speculation that the push for a merger could strengthen the position of hardliners on issues such as prosecutorial reform. The Innovation Party has pressured the Democratic Party to pursue more aggressive prosecutorial reform, especially regarding the Prosecutor's Office Act and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Act, both of which have been pre-announced for legislation.