Cho Kuk Responds to Jeong Cheongrae's Merger Proposal: "Will Convene General Assembly and Executive Committee, Listen to Party Members and the Public"

Agrees with the Intent of the Merger Proposal
Will Gather Opinions from Party Members and Others

On January 22, Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, commented on the merger proposal from Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stating, "We will discuss the direction indicated by the will and sentiment of the people, and then report back to the public."

At a Supreme Council meeting held at the Cho Kuk Innovation Party's North Jeolla Provincial Office in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Cho said, "I have instructed the prompt convening of a general assembly of lawmakers and a party executive committee meeting," and made these remarks.

Earlier that morning, Jeong held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly, saying, "We have overcome the December 3 Martial Law together, and we jointly contested the presidential election for the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration. I hope we can also contest the upcoming June 3 local elections together," as he proposed a merger to the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.

Yonhap News Agency

Regarding this, Cho stated, "Late yesterday evening, I met with Leader Jeong and received the details of today's announcement. Although it was sudden, the gravity of the proposal was by no means light, so I deliberated with the Supreme Council members."

He continued, "The Cho Kuk Innovation Party fully agrees with Leader Jeong's emphasis on the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration and the goal of regaining power. Our party and the Democratic Party have consistently walked that path together. In the last presidential election, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party's candidate was Lee Jaemyung," thus expressing agreement with the intent of Jeong's merger proposal.

However, he added, "At the same time, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party independently pursues progressive future agendas that the Democratic Party does not address, such as political reform, constitutional amendment, and the legislation of the public land ownership principle. We will listen carefully to the voices of the public and party members to determine the best path to achieve these longstanding goals," thus refraining from giving an immediate answer.