Democratic Party Faces Internal Backlash, Innovation Party Rejects Absorption Merger... Jeong Cheongrae's Merger Proposal Casts a Shadow

Lee Eonju Warns of "Centrist Voter Exodus"
Innovation Party Calls for "Value Alliance, Not Absorption Merger"
Merger Talks Delayed by Passing of Lee Haechan

There has been ongoing backlash within the Democratic Party of Korea regarding the sudden proposal by party leader Jeong Cheongrae to merge with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. Resistance has also emerged within the Innovation Party, with concerns about an absorption-type merger by the Democratic Party, casting a shadow over the merger discussions. Additionally, the passing of former Prime Minister Lee Haechan and the subsequent postponement of political schedules are expected to be further variables.

On January 26, Democratic Party Supreme Council member Lee Eonju pointed out in a CBS radio interview, "The Democratic Party is not Representative Jeong's personal party," adding, "He unilaterally decided and announced the merger." Lee further criticized, "Unilaterally deciding to merge with a party that is further to the left than us and announcing it at this time could affect public trust in state affairs, and it is an unacceptable action that does not consider the aftermath."

The lack of prior consultation with the Blue House was also highlighted as an issue. Lee stated, "Close aides to Representative Jeong have been privately spreading rumors, saying, 'Would he have done it without talking to the Blue House or the President?'" She emphasized, "It is absolutely unacceptable to suggest that the President was informed of the merger proposal in advance." She added, "Not only I, but also those close to the President, have directly confirmed that there was no consultation."

Lee also warned that the merger could negatively impact the local elections. She said, "Isn't the Democratic Party working hard to expand its centrist base?" and pointed out, "There are differences in perspectives on issues such as the public concept of real estate land, the capital market, and energy with the Innovation Party." She further argued, "In elections where centrist and conservative voters play the role of casting the deciding vote, such as those for the mayors of Seoul, Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province, this could have a very serious impact."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. January 26, 2026 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Geontae also expressed skepticism in a YTN radio interview, saying, "Many people, including myself, question whether merging before the local elections would actually be advantageous in the battle for centrist voters." He added, "There are opinions that the merger proposal is nominally for winning the local elections, but is actually aimed at the party convention in August. The effects of the merger seem unclear for the local elections, but more significant for the August convention."

Amid the backlash against the merger, the Innovation Party is also pushing back against the idea of an 'absorption merger' being discussed by the Democratic Party. Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Innovation Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting, "Yesterday, Democratic Party Secretary General Cho Seungrae told reporters that 'the DNA of the Innovation Party will blend well within the larger organism of the Democratic Party.' This comment, along with the stance on retaining the party name, is being interpreted as an absorption-type merger. We regret that such misunderstandings are forming even before serious integration talks have begun." Seo emphasized, "While we respect the Democratic Party's 70-year history and its diverse values, integration should not simply be about scaling up, but must be a value-based alliance that offers new hope."

An Innovation Party official commented on the absorption merger theory, saying, "The merger proposal was first made by the Democratic Party, so the side proposing the merger should present a vision, respect, and values," and added, "There are concerns as unofficial and unrefined remarks have been made."

Furthermore, due to the funeral schedule for former Prime Minister Lee Haechan, there is a high likelihood that the merger discussions will be put on hold. Park Suhyeon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a briefing after the Supreme Council meeting, "Representative Jeong has designated this week as a period of mourning and remembrance," and requested, "During this period, members should be especially cautious in their words and actions, and refrain from policy commentary or public statements." He also stated, "Only the minimum necessary party work will be handled during this period. Most procedures, including collecting internal opinions on the merger, will be postponed, and only essential approvals and practical party work will be maintained."