Kim Hong-gul "Open Party, Those Dissatisfied with the Democratic Party... Will Take Independent Action if Seats Are Gained"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Hong-gul, co-chairman of the Democratic Citizens Party's joint election countermeasures committee, said, "The Open Democratic Party may take an independent course if state subsidies are provided after the general election." He also stated that there is no possibility of future integration with the Citizens Party, and that the Citizens Party's target number of seats is 20 to 25.

On the morning of the 2nd, Kim appeared on CBS Radio and, when asked about the Open Democratic Party's considerable support rate, he said, "I don't want to speak ill, but if I were to point out, it was formed by those who were eliminated from the Democratic Party's nomination," adding, "I think there is a political ethical issue."

He also said, "The Citizens Party is supposed to merge with the Democratic Party later, but although the Open Party may say they will merge, they are people who left the Democratic Party due to dissatisfaction, so if they gain seats and receive state subsidies, there is a possibility they will take an independent path."

He emphasized, "Unlike the ruling party, they are a small party hastily formed for the election, so they may say such things to gain even one seat for election success, but things may change after the election."

When asked about the claim that "some say the Citizens Party and the Open Party are essentially one group and are only separated strategically," he said, "We do not think so at all, and messages denying that will continue to come from the Democratic Party side as well."

Regarding the controversy over the pledge of a 600,000 won basic income and recognition of North Korea as a neighboring country, which was posted and then retracted on the National Election Commission website, he said, "Because the party was hurriedly formed under time pressure, some unorganized parts were mistakenly posted by a staff member, causing the issue," adding, "It will soon be organized and announced."

About the target number of seats, he said, "I think it should be between 20 and 25 seats," and added, "If there is no vote dispersion, the goal can be achieved."

When asked why voters should choose the Citizens Party, he replied, "I think the Citizens Party is the best because it is not a party that pursues selfish interests or irresponsibly criticizes without offering alternatives, but a party that can help the ruling party revive the economy and protect the health of the people."

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