"Let's Yield"·"Let's Keep the Principles"... The Integrated Train Has Departed but Subtle Differences in Perspectives Remain

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Innovation Integration Promotion Committee (IIPC), which is pushing for the integration of moderate conservatives, held its first public report meeting on the 31st to reaffirm its commitment to integration. However, the party leaders attending the event revealed subtle differences in perspectives. Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, emphasized concessions among integration parties, while Ha Tae-kyung, co-leader of the New Conservative Party, stressed the importance of adhering to principles. There were also complaints that the voices of the Gwanghwamun faction were not properly reflected.

On this day, the IIPC held its first public report meeting at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, attended by 500 people including Hwang Kyo-ahn, Ha Tae-kyung, Lee Eon-ju, leader of Forward to the Future 4.0 Party, Jang Ki-pyo, preparatory committee chairman of the People's Voice Party, former Minister of Science and Technology Kim Young-hwan, and former emergency committee chairman of the Liberty Korea Party Kim Byung-joon.

At the event, Hwang said, "If we respect each other's thoughts and bridge small differences one by one, the path to integration, which once felt distant, will gradually come closer," adding, "If we put our country and people first, integration will surely be achieved."

He stated, "The division among us gave rise to the Moon administration. If we divide again, we will commit a great sin in history once more," and added, "For various reasons, forces that took different paths coming together under one umbrella cannot be 100% satisfactory. There are immediate regrets and shortcomings, but these should be left as tasks to be changed together."

Co-leader Ha emphasized, "The integration issue is in its final stages, and we just need to stick to the principles," adding, "Among the three principles, the most important is to cross the river of impeachment." He explained, "This principle is to prevent division after integration," and added, "Those who have crossed (the river of impeachment) are all willing to be accepted."

Ha also said, "As we approach the final stage, there will be voices trying to test us," and praised Hwang for maintaining balance, but stressed, "The end is crucial. Deal firmly with those who want to break the six principles."

There were also criticisms that the integration failed to embrace the Gwanghwamun faction. Lee Eon-ju, leader of the Forward Party, said, "The voices from Gwanghwamun Square have not been sufficiently reflected, but integration is the path we must take," adding, "What is regrettable is that people who fought in Gwanghwamun, including Governor Kim Moon-soo, are not part of this." She continued, "They must join us. Together, we should link arms, overthrow the Moon administration, and move forward in the same direction until the day we unite." Jang Ki-pyo, preparatory committee chairman of the People's Voice Party, classified as part of the Gwanghwamun protest forces, also pointed out, "The work so far has not been satisfactory."

Meanwhile, on the same day, Chairman Park Hyung-joon announced the five major policy directions prepared through IIPC discussions (▲Security-first complex diplomacy centered on deterring North Korean nuclear threats and the ROK-US alliance ▲Reviving the economy led by private-sector future technologies ▲Establishing a century-long education plan and fundamental education reform ▲Advancing quality of life ▲Creating a fair society), the ten practical tasks, and innovation measures to gain youth support.

He stated, "These values, policy directions, and innovation measures must be realized in the integrated new party," and declared, "Going forward, the IIPC will continue efforts to unite the moderate conservative forces and declare itself the sole legitimate moderate conservative force to judge the Moon administration." Subsequently, the IIPC plans to transition to a preparatory committee system for the new integrated party's founding from early next month and aims to launch the integrated new party around mid-next month.

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