Hwang Kyo-ahn to Ha Tae-kyung: "Let's Work Together on the Big Picture"... Avoids Direct Answer on '3 Major Principles' Question

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, and Ha Tae-kyung, co-leader of the New Conservative Party, met but failed to reach a concrete conclusion regarding the acceptance of the 'Three Principles of Conservative Integration' and other specific integration matters. Prior to this meeting, there was speculation that Hwang would accept the three principles of conservative integration proposed by Yoo Seung-min, chairman of the New Conservative Party's Conservative Reconstruction Committee.

On the afternoon of the 7th, after meeting Ha Tae-kyung, who visited the National Assembly to congratulate him on his inauguration, Hwang said in response to the question, "Did you directly recommend the Integration Promotion Committee?" that "I talked about working together in a broad framework." However, when asked, "Ha said he requested the three principles; what was your answer?" he avoided a direct response, saying, "Our goal is for the free right and free citizens to unite to overcome the failures and tyranny of the Moon Jae-in administration and to save the Republic of Korea."

Ha Tae-kyung also said, "There was nothing new." He added, "I said reform must come first. I requested that the three principles be clearly established."

When asked if there were any discussions about party mergers, Ha said, "There were no concrete or in-depth discussions," and "I was curious about the Liberty Korea Party's position and was in a position to ask and listen to what had been discussed so far." He continued, "Security and youth issues are common concerns. In particular, there are worries about President Moon Jae-in still being reluctant to give up on Kim Jong-un's visit to South Korea, and we agreed to cooperate on such issues where possible."

Earlier, on the 1st, Hwang hinted at activating the Conservative Integration Promotion Committee during a New Year's luncheon meeting and has been accelerating efforts for conservative integration. There was speculation that Hwang would announce acceptance of the three principles of conservative integration as early as that day, but it is known that there was internal opposition within the party. Regarding this, when asked if the press conference related to the three principles, which was expected to be held that day, was canceled due to internal opposition, Hwang raised his voice, saying, "I never said I would hold one."

Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the same day, a joint meeting of party and civic group leaders issued a statement proposing the formation of a 'Integration Promotion Committee' for centrist and conservative grand integration. They said, "The principle of grand integration is innovation and integration," and added, "The detailed composition of the Integration Promotion Committee will be decided at the meeting at 10 a.m. on the 9th."

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