"Now It's the General Election"…Korean Party Opens Door for 'Re-entry' Emphasizing Conservative Grand Unification

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] The Liberty Korea Party expressed its determination to unite the conservative camp under one banner by calling for a "Great Conservative Unity" as its New Year's first declaration. To this end, the party decided to allow re-admission for individuals wishing to rejoin the party.

On the 2nd, the Liberty Korea Party announced at the Supreme Council meeting that it would fully permit the re-admission of individuals wishing to rejoin the party as part of the broader conservative unity efforts. The party stated, "During the recent presidential and local elections, many individuals left the party, and a significant number of those who ran as independents had their admission deferred. We plan to proceed with re-admission procedures in accordance with party rules for those who were denied admission for various reasons, including those who left the party, independent candidates, those whose admission was deferred or pending, and those who filed objections related to admission."

The re-admission process for these individuals will be completed by the 10th of this month after approval from the central party and city/provincial party membership review committees as well as the Supreme Council.

On the 1st, Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn held a luncheon meeting at a restaurant in Yeouido, stating, "We must now launch the Integration Promotion Committee proposed last November. We will set the integration train in motion," igniting discussions on unification. Regarding the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Act, he said, "It is a dictatorial and evil law that allows the ruling power to wield unchecked authority. Without any checks, anyone can be investigated if I dislike them." He emphasized the need for conservative unity to abolish this law.

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, Shim Jae-cheol, floor leader, and other lawmakers and party officials are giving New Year's greetings to the public on the steps in front of the main building of the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The Integration Promotion Committee proposes that the conservative camp come together to establish the name, values, and candidate nomination reform plans for the unified body. Leader Hwang said, "I will ensure that all conservatives and moderates who agree participate. I will not claim any vested interests," adding, "If necessary, we will create a proportional representation party that embodies the values of reform and unity." He also hinted that the leadership and personnel composition could change depending on which political forces participate following today's launch proposal.

Conservative figures are also positive about the integration discussions. Yoo Seung-min, head of the Talent Recruitment Committee of the New Conservative Party, which will officially launch on the 5th, told reporters at a New Year's greeting event on the 1st, "The door to dialogue is always open," adding, "It depends on each party's will." The 'National Unity Coalition,' a civic group formed mainly by conservative figures such as former leader Hong Joon-pyo and former lawmaker Lee Jae-oh, proposed on the 31st of last month to hold a representative joint meeting to discuss conservative unity.

However, with about 100 days left until the general election and significant differences among integration parties over impeachment, it remains uncertain whether a proper unification can be achieved. The Our Republican Party, classified as a "hardline right-wing" group, has expressed that it cannot join forces with those responsible for impeachment, raising the possibility that the New Conservative Party led by Yoo might withdraw if included in the unified body.

Meanwhile, the Liberty Korea Party, now in election mode, is making efforts to "protect its core supporters" by visiting the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region, where its key support base is concentrated, following its message of conservative unity. On the afternoon of the same day, Leader Hwang visited the Pohang earthquake victim relocation complex and evacuation shelter in Buk-gu, Pohang City, Gyeongbuk Province, and then attended the New Year's gathering of the Daegu City Party and Gyeongbuk Provincial Party at the Daegu City Party auditorium around 4:30 p.m. He is expected to apologize for failing to block the passage of the election law and Corruption Investigation Office Act and call for unity. He plans to resume nationwide visits focusing on livelihood issues thereafter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.