Park Hyung-jun "The Integration Train Can't Stop Now... There Are Still Many to Board"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 6th, Park Hyung-jun, Chairman of the Innovation and Integration Promotion Committee, held the first meeting of the Unified New Party Preparatory Committee and hinted at the possibility of additional members joining, saying, "There are still many people who need to be on the integration train."

At the first meeting of the Unified New Party Preparatory Committee held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, Chairman Park stated in his opening remarks, "This integration train can no longer stop."

This meeting, the first since the launch of the Unified New Party Preparatory Committee, was attended by Chairman Park, Shim Jae-cheol, Floor Leader of the Liberty Korea Party, Lee Eon-ju, Party Leader of the Forward to the Future 4.0, and Jang Ki-pyo, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the People's Voice Party, all as co-chairmen. Committee members included Kim Sang-hoon and Song Eon-seok of the Liberty Korea Party, Jeong Un-cheon of the New Conservative Party, Kim Won-seon, Supreme Council Member of the Forward Party, Kim Geun-sik, Professor at Gyeongnam National University, Park Joon-sik, Secretary-General of the Free Democratic National Alliance, Ahn Byung-yong, Head of the Organization Department of the National Integration Coalition, Ahn Hyung-hwan, Representative of the Future Citizens' Coalition, and Jo Hyung-gon, Co-Executive Director of the Emergency National Assembly. Former Bareunmirae Party lawmaker Moon Byung-ho served as the Special Commissioner for Political Innovation.

He said, "Due to the late hour, the schedule was discussed concisely and announced, and today we have met that schedule," adding, "Through the general election, we will judge the Moon administration and launch the Unified New Party as the only integrated party of the centrist conservatives to give South Korea a new opportunity for leap forward."

Chairman Park emphasized, "Starting from today, we will hold meetings and plan to present the Unified New Party to the public as soon as possible," and added, "Let us overcome small differences with a great spirit of inclusion toward a big goal, and bear the fruit of unity with broad hearts and deep understanding for integration."

Floor Leader Shim stressed, "This general election is a crucial election that will decide the fate of South Korea and our future," and said, "The free right-wing must win to prevent South Korea from collapsing any further." He continued, "What we need now is great unity. Overcoming small differences and winning the general election first will enable cooperation for South Korea's future. Our factions must unite to take a big step forward."

Party Leader Lee said, "Since last December, a broad spectrum anti-Moon coalition has formed at Gwanghwamun Square, and I am glad that those who participated there are here today," adding, "I am pleased that former lawmaker Moon and Professor Kim, who worked with Representative Ahn Cheol-soo in the People's Party, are here, and I hope many, including former Bareunmirae Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo and former Governor Kim Moon-soo, will join us before it is too late."

Chairman Jang also emphasized, "The opposition has not received full support from the people so far, but the Unified New Party Preparatory Committee must play a major role in creating a new image that can gain full support."

Meanwhile, Jeong Byeong-guk, who was nominated as the chairman from the New Conservative Party side, did not attend the meeting as talks between the Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party had not been finalized. Jeong Un-cheon, who attended on his behalf, said, "We have come this far after 13 meetings starting from January 14, but it is absurd that a co-chairman has not been appointed yet," and emphasized, "However, the grand integration of centrist conservatives to stop the Moon administration's tyranny is a historical mission and the people's command, so we are making every effort now." He added, "The New Conservative Party will appoint a co-chairman as soon as the two-party consultative body is organized and will do everything possible to ensure smooth conservative integration."

Special Commissioner for Political Innovation Moon Byung-ho emphasized innovation. He said, "The most important keywords in politics now are innovation and integration. The Preparatory Committee for the New Party has achieved 70% of its integration goals but only 30% of innovation goals," and added, "To prevent integration from becoming 'Back to Liberty Korea Party' or 'Back to Saenuri Party,' the Preparatory Committee must focus on innovation in the process of creating the Unified New Party."

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