Choi Jae-sung "Democratic Party Should Not Field Proportional Candidates... Satellite Party Formation Also Not Allowed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Choi Jae-sung, a senior member of the pro-Moon Jae-in faction (Chinmun) and a Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker, asserted on the 2nd that "the Democratic Party should not field a single proportional representation candidate."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that morning, Rep. Choi said, "In the upcoming general election, the Democratic Party must win in the name of the people."

He added, "We must not give up the greater path out of fear of losing seats. That is the choice befitting the Democratic Party and what we do best."

However, regarding the formation of satellite parties, Rep. Choi stated, "It is undesirable," and appealed, "We should tell the public that we will not field a single candidate and ask them not to vote for the 'Proportional Korea Party,' which grotesquely distorts public sentiment."

Addressing the United Future Party, he said, "They must adhere to the original intent of the new system called the semi-open proportional representation system. Even now, they should dissolve the Future Korea Party," adding, "Since the Future Korea Party has an inherent limitation that prevents it from dissolving itself, the United Future Party must dissolve it."

Rep. Choi's remarks are notable as they come at a time when the formation of a progressive camp's proportional representation coalition party is becoming visible. Currently, the Democratic Party maintains its stance of not creating its own satellite party, but it is reportedly considering participation in a coalition party.

According to Rep. Choi's argument, the best way to prevent vote splitting between the Democratic Party and the coalition party in proportional representation is for the Democratic Party not to field any proportional representation candidates.

However, the Democratic Party must bear the criticism that the 'coalition party' strategy could be seen as another form of 'satellite party.'

On the same day, Kang Hoon-sik, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, told reporters, "We are considering external coalition methods," and explained, "If smaller parties suggest forming a coalition party, it is not significantly different from the intent of the semi-open proportional representation system."

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