[Political Focus] Jeong Cheongrae, Cho Kuk, and Jang Donghyeok Bet Their Political Careers on Realignment

Political Upheaval Begins Ahead of Local Elections
Merger Card Between Democratic Party and Innovation Party Shakes Up the Scene
Quelling Internal Dissent Remains a Challenge
People Power Party Faces Task of Building Opposition Unity

The political landscape is abuzz with the potential merger between the Democratic Party of Korea and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, both aiming for a sweeping victory in the June 3 local elections. While the opposition is currently drawing a line against the possibility of an electoral alliance, attention is focused on how the realignment among ruling bloc parties might impact the situation.

On January 23, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae stated at an on-site Supreme Council meeting held in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, that regarding the merger, "I made the proposal because I thought it might be impossible to achieve before the local elections unless the party leader took the initiative." He added, "The merger is a path we must take," and emphasized, "Now that the starting bell has rung, both the process and the outcome will be decided according to the will of the party members."

Yonhap News Agency

Lawmakers aligned with Jeong Cheongrae openly supported the merger. Lee Sungyun, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, reinforced the move at the meeting by saying, "Unity ensures victory, while division ensures defeat," and added, "I believe the direction presented by Leader Jeong was very appropriate."

The main reason Leader Jeong is pushing for the merger at this time is the upcoming local elections. Han Minsu, the chief of staff to the party leader and a Democratic Party lawmaker, said on CBS Radio, "The most important thing right now is to achieve a landslide victory in the local elections. Such a victory will further solidify the foundation for the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration." The calculation is that a merger would secure an advantageous position in regions where the Innovation Party enjoys relatively strong support, such as Honam and the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (PK) areas.

Yonhap News Agency

However, quelling internal dissatisfaction remains a challenge. Lee Eonju, Kang Deukgu, and Hwang Myungseon, all Supreme Council members of the Democratic Party, did not attend the on-site Supreme Council meeting that day. They had publicly opposed the merger proposal the previous day. In particular, Supreme Council member Lee criticized Leader Jeong's merger proposal as a "railroaded decision" and argued that the party should even discuss whether to reaffirm or withdraw trust in the leader.

The attempt at political realignment initiated by the ruling bloc is also drawing attention to the possibility of an electoral alliance among opposition parties. While some within the People Power Party are calling for an electoral alliance, the Reform Party is firmly dismissing the possibility. The Reform Party has stated that while it is willing to cooperate on the so-called "dual special prosecutor" initiative regarding the Unification Church and Democratic Party nomination bribery allegations, it is not considering an electoral alliance. Chun Haram, floor leader of the Reform Party, said on BBS Radio, "There has always been pressure for the two parties to unite, but given the Reform Party's distinctiveness and independence, it is unlikely to yield." Another Reform Party official said, "There is little to gain from a local election alliance, so there is no reason for Representative Lee Junseok to risk his political future by abandoning the party's identity."

Amid stagnant approval ratings for the People Power Party, there are concerns that failing to achieve opposition unity could mean conceding key battlegrounds in the local elections. If the Democratic Party and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party merge, Seoul and Busan-where Cho Kuk is likely to run-are seen as must-win regions for the People Power Party. A People Power Party lawmaker representing Busan said in a phone interview, "If the ruling bloc proceeds with the merger, there is a high possibility that Representative Cho will run for mayor of Busan, which is raising tensions. In an already difficult election, if we only manage to hold onto Daegu and North Gyeongsang (TK), the party could become even more isolated," he expressed with concern.