Son Hye-won: "Open Democratic Party Was Created to Support the Democratic Party"

Open Democratic Party's proportional representation candidate selection committee chairperson Son Hye-won (left) and member Jeong Bong-ju are conducting a public YouTube broadcast at Son Hye-won's office in the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 10th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 10th, Representative Sohn Hye-won said that the Open Democratic Party was "created to support the Democratic Party of Korea."

Sohn Hye-won, Supreme Council Member of the Open Democratic Party, said at a press briefing held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that "we thought we could not just stand by and accept the disadvantages when the United Future Party launched its satellite party, the Future Korea Party."

She added, "When the party was hesitating, Jeong Bong-ju, Supreme Council Member, stepped up and formed the party," and said, "Almost all the party members who will join us can be considered Democratic Party members." Sohn is serving as the Open Democratic Party's nomination management committee chair.

Regarding the policy for determining the order of proportional representation candidates, Sohn said, "The citizen nomination method we are considering is not entirely new. The Justice Party and the Green Party have also implemented it," adding, "But fundamentally, we are not holding a public contest. Even people who have never been interested in becoming members of the National Assembly can be summoned by citizens, and if they are nominated, we will bring them in."

She continued, "This is different from the existing nomination process. The individual does not apply; the citizens summon them. We act as an agent for that."

Regarding the expected number of seats for the Open Democratic Party, Representative Sohn said, "The more, the better, but all I can say is that we will do our best," adding, "If we can become a negotiating group, we would not ask for more. We will do our best to increase even one seat."

Supreme Council Member Jeong Bong-ju, regarding joining the progressive camp's proportional representation coalition party, said, "I have said the door is always open, and it still is," adding, "Discussions are open, but how to proceed must be decided through consultation between the nomination committee chair and the Supreme Council members."

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