Aftermath of Merger Proposal... Ruling Party's Lee Eonju, Kang Deukgu, and Hwang Myungseon Demand Full Disclosure

Official Apology and Preventive Measures Demanded from Jeong Cheongrae
"Merger Process Must Be Democratic from the Start"
"Jeong Cheongrae's Unilateral Approach Must End"

The aftermath of the merger proposal between the Democratic Party of Korea and the Cho Kuk Reform Party, initiated by Representative Jeong Cheongrae, has been intense. On January 23, senior members Lee Eonju, Kang Deukgu, and Hwang Myungseon demanded an official apology from Representative Jeong for his sudden merger proposal and called for full disclosure regarding how the merger discussions took place.

During a press conference at the National Assembly, the three senior members stated, "If we are to talk about true integration, the process itself must be genuinely democratic. Even for proper integration, Jeong Cheongrae's unilateral approach must come to an end," reiterating their demands.

Lee Eonju, Hwang Myungseon, and Kang Deukgu, senior members of the Democratic Party of Korea, are holding an emergency press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office after 223 days. They strongly condemned Representative Jeong's arrogance and undemocratic behavior, demanding an official apology and a thorough investigation. January 23, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

They pointed out, "We take issue with the fact that merger discussions proceeded without even the senior members' knowledge, highlighting the undemocratic nature of the procedure and process." They criticized that even up to 20 minutes before Representative Jeong's emergency press conference, the senior members were not informed of the merger discussions.

They further noted that during the senior members' meeting held just 20 minutes prior, there was not a discussion but a unilateral notification. "A structure where elected senior members cannot even express their opinions, and are only forced to agree with the representative's decision, is not democratic party management," they emphasized.

Regarding this, after the press conference, Senior Member Hwang told reporters, "This is a top-down approach reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes," adding, "It is a form of 'one-sided rule' leadership. It goes against the sovereignty of party members."

They also pointed out that Representative Jeong's announcement was not shared in advance with the Presidential Office. "The approach that creates the misunderstanding as if it is the President's will or as if the President is involved is by no means desirable," they said, adding, "Dragging the President into the center of political controversy serves neither the President nor the party."

In response to reporters' questions after the press conference, Senior Member Lee added, "Packaging it as if there were specific consultations by referencing the President's usual views is a very dangerous attempt regarding the President and the Presidential Office," and called it "a highly inappropriate act that misleads party members."

Senior Member Kang also pointed out, "There is a world of difference between 'informing' and 'coordinating' with the Presidential Office."

They demanded: ▲ an official apology from Representative Jeong, ▲ measures to prevent recurrence of unilateral party management, and ▲ full disclosure of when, with whom, to what extent, and how the merger proposal was discussed.

They also refuted the interpretation that the merger proposal was a strategy to secure a landslide victory in the June 3 local elections. Senior Member Kang stated, "Will Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province or Seoul and Gyeonggi Province change just because of this merger? If there will be no change, there must at least be a clear justification," adding, "Representative Jeong must answer what that justification is."

However, they clarified that the press conference was not to express a position for or against the merger with the Reform Party. When asked, "Are you then against the merger?" Senior Member Kang replied, "At this point, the pro or con framework itself does not fit. The priority is to transparently disclose the procedural legitimacy to party members and voters."

Following their public criticism of Representative Jeong's merger proposal, they have also expressed their dissatisfaction by not attending the on-site senior members' meeting held in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, on the morning of the same day.