Integrated New Party Roadmap Outline... "Innovation Committee on 22nd → New Party Preparation Committee Plan Announcement" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The roadmap for the centrist-conservative unified new party is expected to take shape as early as the 22nd. Park Hyung-jun, chairman of the Innovation and Integration Promotion Committee (Hyuktongwi), which is pushing for centrist-conservative integration, said, "We will prepare the roadmap by tomorrow (the 22nd) and announce how Hyuktongwi will transition to the preparatory committee."

After holding the 6th meeting of Hyuktongwi at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the afternoon of the 21st, Chairman Park told reporters, "So far, we have discussed the framework and direction of the integration, and tomorrow we will finalize that and achieve the actual integration of like-minded forces and political parties."

Regarding Rep. Jung Byung-guk of the New Conservative Party's press conference statement that "Hyuktongwi will conclude the first phase on the 22nd," he said, "There was a slight miscommunication," adding, "There is no such thing as a first or second conclusion." When asked whether a meaningful result would be announced before the Lunar New Year, he replied, "Hyuktongwi is making efforts, so it would be good if some results become visible." On discussions with former Bareunmirae Party member Ahn Cheol-soo's side, he said, "There is no schedule yet."

Hyuktongwi maintains the position that it will continue discussions regarding the formation of a bilateral consultative body between the Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party. In his opening remarks, Chairman Park said, "Hyuktongwi will proceed as Hyuktongwi," adding, "Since there is not much time left until Hyuktongwi's activities conclude, from now on, based on the big picture discussed so far, we will make more practical efforts to unite a broad range of forces."

Earlier that morning, Chairman Park visited Jeju Provincial Office and met with Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong to request his joining Hyuktongwi. Park said, "I met Governor Won with the intention that Hyuktongwi needs to unite a wide range of conservative and progressive forces and figures," adding, "I look forward to Governor Won's response."

Rep. Yoo Ui-dong, who participated in place of the resigned Rep. Ji Sang-wook of the New Conservative Party, said, "I highly appreciate the positive energy gathering for conservative integration from the beginning of the new year," adding, "Every step we take toward conservative integration must be a step that puts aside selfish interests for desirable conservative integration to be completed." Rep. Jung Woon-cheon of the New Conservative Party also said, "The conservative integration train, which has been running precariously, is now on the main track," adding, "Hyuktongwi will lead the way as a platform for expansive integration and innovative conservative grand unification."

Rep. Kim Sang-hoon of the Liberty Korea Party said, "I believe there is no doubt that Hyuktongwi is a platform for integrating civic society and organizations, but since integration with the New Conservative Party is also part of the integration process, we accepted the request for a consultative body," adding, "Please understand this as a process toward a larger integration." Professor Kim Geun-sik of Kyungnam University, classified as part of the Ahn Cheol-soo faction, said, "I highly appreciate the acceptance of the Liberty Korea Party's request for a consultative body and the New Conservative Party's acceptance of a non-public process," adding, "The two consultative bodies should create synergy through role-sharing."

However, voices expressing concern about the bilateral consultative body being a "return to Saenuri Party" also emerged at the meeting. Jung Kyung-mo, vice chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the People's Voice Party, emphasized, "Integration between the two parties is necessary, but it is only a necessary condition, not a sufficient one," adding, "We must never forget that if we do not join with new citizens resisting the injustice of the Moon administration, it will be a return to the Saenuri Party."

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