Conservative Grand Unification Debate Held... Differences Persist Over Impeachment and Unification Committee

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The broad conservative camp gathered to discuss the methodology and principles of conservative grand unification, but still revealed stark differences regarding the 'impeachment' issue. Opinions also diverged over the status of the Innovation Integration Promotion Committee (IIPC). While the Liberty Korea Party emphasized 'unconditional integration,' the New Conservative Party and the Party for Progress toward the Future stated that without innovation, change, and generational replacement, there can be no integration.

On the afternoon of the 13th, at a forum titled "How to Achieve Innovation and Conservative Grand Integration?" hosted by the Party for Progress toward the Future, the Civic Political Council, and the offices of Assemblymen Lee Eon-ju and Cho Kyung-tae at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, participants debated four main issues: ▲ why conservatism is not receiving support ▲ how to view the impeachment issue ▲ the scope of integration ▲ and detailed plans for integration such as candidate nominations.

◆ Conservatives ignored due to lack of reflection and older age demographics = Participants cited lack of reflection, outdated policies, and excessively high age demographics as reasons why conservatism is not receiving support. Assemblyman Lee Eon-ju said, "On average, men and women, old and young, senior and junior generations should all harmonize, but the current Korea Party has too high an age demographic, so young people inevitably feel cultural and generational differences," adding, "To put it bluntly, it is a 'kkondae' party (an old-fashioned, authoritarian party)." Regarding the low support rate of the younger New Conservative Party, she said, "conservative reform must gain support from the conservative base," criticizing the New Conservative Party for failing to gain such support.

Assemblyman Cho Kyung-tae of the Korea Party said, "the biggest reason is the inability to reflect. Even now, there are factions within the Korea Party blaming others. To avoid becoming an obstacle to integration, self-examination and self-reflection are important," but he refrained from commenting on the New Conservative Party.

Assemblyman Lee Jun-seok said, "the issue is whether conservatism can propose solutions to social problems," adding, "In the past, conservatism had comparative advantages over progressivism, but since the 2000s, we need to reconsider whether we have lost that confidence." He said, "If integration is seen as simply adding numbers to overcome difficulties, I would agree repeatedly, but without sharpening policies, it is impossible to win elections in the metropolitan area," and emphasized, "In the integration process, we must create a form of conservatism that the younger generation can support."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ Impeachment: 'Let's move on' vs. 'We must clarify' = Opinions were clearly divided on the impeachment issue. Assemblyman Cho said, "During the Joseon Dynasty, the Noron and Soron factions fought and were eventually devoured by Japan; when fighting over legitimacy, everyone perishes," adding, "We unanimously agreed at the Innovation Integration Promotion Committee that impeachment should no longer be an obstacle. I hope such exhausting discussions will not arise in the future." This effectively expressed a desire to move on and cover up the issue.

Assemblyman Lee Jun-seok said, "One of the most important practical matters is overcoming the unfavorable public perception," citing a Realmeter survey last year showing that 62% oppose the release of former President Park Geun-hye, with 80% of people in their 20s opposing it, and stressed not to attack each other using terms like pro-Park or traitor regarding impeachment.

On the other hand, Assemblyman Kim Tae-heum said, "Saying not to talk about impeachment feels like telling those involved in the past impeachment not to admit their mistakes," adding, "This integration seems to be a coalition formed before elections for tactical reasons, not a gathering under the umbrella of future vision and conservative values. Saying 'let's cross the river of impeachment' itself means discussing impeachment," emphasizing that impeachment must be discussed and resolved.

Joo Dong-sik, co-representative of the Civic Political Council, said, "If we do not take a stance on impeachment, the public will perceive the position of our Liberty Korea Party as the conservative stance on impeachment, since it has presented the clearest and most definite message," and pointed out, "It is impossible to just cover up this issue. Impeachment is an impeachment of the entire conservative force." Lee Hee-beom, executive director of the Free Democratic National Alliance, said, "Looking back, participating in the cause of impeachment was also a mistake for us (conservative forces)," and urged, "The 108 Korea Party members and the New Conservative Party should pick a day to ask for forgiveness from the nation and the people."

Assemblyman Lee Eon-ju also said, "We cannot dictate how the public views impeachment," adding, "If we openly promise 'let's not talk about impeachment anymore,' the public will be disappointed, and the result of integration will inevitably be negative. Especially, a significant portion of supporters whose wounds from impeachment have not yet healed will be disappointed."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ The scope of integration should be broadened... disagreement over the IIPC = Everyone agreed that the scope of integration should be expanded to include the Ahn Cheol-soo faction and civic groups, but opinions diverged between the New Conservative Party and others regarding the existence of the IIPC, which is promoting this. Earlier that morning, Ha Tae-kyung, co-representative of the New Conservative Party, held a press conference stating that the role of the IIPC should be limited to an advisory body. In response, Assemblyman Kim Tae-heum criticized the New Conservative Party, saying, "The IIPC has already been formed, and if you do not acknowledge that, you cannot move forward even one step."

Assemblyman Lee Eon-ju said, "Although we raised issues with the IIPC, many of our opinions were not reflected," but stressed the need for a unifying point for integration, saying, "On October 3 last year, many forces formed an anti-Moon Jae-in front, but because they could not unite under a single leadership, they fragmented and all went home."

Assemblyman Cho said, "According to Laozi's Tao Te Ching, politics should be simple for the world to breathe. Both the ruling and opposition parties have much to reflect on," adding, "Now is the time to let go. The Korea Party is ready to let go. Even within the New Conservative Party, there are people who think they are superior or smarter, but politics is not done with the head," criticizing them.

Assemblyman Lee Jun-seok said, "The reason for opposing the IIPC is that there are many issues to discuss," adding, "When multiple parties negotiate, discussions result in the greatest common denominator, which leads to obvious words and the greatest common denominator. To reach an agreement, the parties involved must be simplified."

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