Jo Guk on Democratic Party Merger Proposal: "Just Seeing Each Other... Not Ready for Marriage Yet"

Jo Guk, leader of the National Innovation Party, expressed a cautious stance regarding the merger discussions with the Democratic Party, stating, "The discussions have just begun." Making his first public statement since the Democratic Party's abrupt merger proposal, Jo emphasized the importance of a procedural discussion based on the value of political reform.

On the 23rd, at Jeonil Building 245 in Dong-gu, Gwangju, Jo Guk, the leader of the National Innovation Party, is speaking at a meeting with the Gwangju Citizens' Organizations Council. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 23rd, at a meeting with the Gwangju Citizens' Organizations Council held at Jeonil Building 245, Jo was asked about his intention to merge and replied, "The proposal was made yesterday, and both parties must discuss it through official procedures."

He used an analogy to dating and marriage, saying, "Representative Chung Cheong-rae has proposed that we start 'seeing each other,' but it is not yet time to talk about marriage and having children."

Jo stated, "All possibilities are open," and added, "Each party will go through sufficient procedures to gather opinions." However, he made it clear that the value of political reform is a prerequisite for merger discussions.

Jo explained, "The visions of the Democratic Party and the National Innovation Party align more than 90%, but the Democratic Party has been passive or opposed to several political reform issues that form the unique political DNA of our party." He continued, "We will not give up on core values such as the 12·12 military coup, the abolition of the two-member constituency system in the Public Official Election Act, constitutional amendment, or the concept of public land ownership." He further stated, "A merger could be one means to realize these values, but if unification means giving up on political reform, we will not choose that path."

During the meeting, senior members of civil society and activists also shared their opinions. Jung Youngil, Chairman of the Gwangju NGO Citizens Foundation, pointed out, "Merging with the Democratic Party would mean giving up the role of a minority party as a check and its clarity of stance." Choi Youngtae, Professor Emeritus at Chonnam National University, said, "If the merger is pursued, the realization of a multi-party system and electoral reform must be set as clear conditions."

Jo said, "There are still internal procedures left, such as a general assembly of lawmakers and the party executive committee," and added, "We will make a decision based on sufficient discussion and in accordance with the will of the party and the people."

Democratic Party Representative Chung Cheongrae is speaking at the on-site Supreme Council meeting held on the 23rd at the National Training Center for Athletes in Jincheon, Chungbuk. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, on the 22nd, Democratic Party Representative Chung Cheong-rae held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly and officially proposed a merger to the National Innovation Party. Chung said, "We propose to the National Innovation Party: let us unite," and added, "Let us quickly set up a working-level table for the merger."

Regarding this, Jo responded, "I agree with the goal of ensuring the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and regaining power," but reaffirmed his cautious stance, saying, "We will consider the will and sentiment of the people and discuss the matter in accordance with the procedures of a public party."