Democratic Party: "Merger with Innovation Party to Be Decided by Members"

Park Suhyeon, Chief Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, Briefs on the 22nd
"We Will Go Through Procedures Such as a Vote, Debate, and Party Congress"
On Cho Kuk's Response: "Interpreted as Acceptance"

As Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced a proposal to merge with the Innovation Party, the Democratic Party emphasized that the final decision rests with its members.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is proposing a merger with the Innovation Party at an urgent press conference held at the National Assembly on January 22, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At a briefing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 22nd, Chief Spokesperson Park Suhyeon told reporters, "Leader Jeong has simply proposed a merger," adding, "As we have emphasized the era of party member sovereignty, the will of the members is the most important factor. We will actively create a forum for open discussion to gather members' opinions."

Earlier that morning, Leader Jeong proposed a merger to the Innovation Party, stating, "I hope we can contest the June 3 local elections together." In response, Cho Kuk, leader of the Innovation Party, said, "I have instructed the prompt convening of a general assembly of lawmakers and a party executive committee," and added, "We will discuss and decide according to the direction indicated by the will and sentiment of the people."

Chief Spokesperson Park further stated, "Even if the Innovation Party responds to the merger proposal, it will only proceed if the members agree; if they do not, it cannot go forward. The will of the members is paramount, and once again, I want to stress that the members are the true owners of the party." The Democratic Party plans to go through procedures such as a full-member debate, a vote by all members, and a party congress.

Since the merger is a party matter, there was no coordination with the presidential office, but Park emphasized that the issue was at least shared. He explained, "It would not be accurate to say there was an agreement or coordination between the party, government, and the presidential office at this stage, as this matter is entirely related to party affairs. However, considering that all issues have so far been handled through sharing and coordination among the party, government, and presidential office, it is likely that, while there may not have been coordination, there was at least a process of sharing regarding this significant issue of a merger."

Regarding Leader Cho's response, Park said, "We need to confirm the true intent," but added, "For now, it would be reasonable to interpret it as an acceptance of Leader Jeong's proposal. Since he accepted, the party's internal procedures have begun."

When asked by reporters about the timing of the announcement, given ongoing intra-party debates on issues such as one person, one vote and prosecution reform, as well as the KOSPI index reaching 5,000 on the same day, Park replied, "It is an important issue," but clarified, "The timing was not adjusted for these reasons."