Choi Kang-wook: "President Moon's call signals a new phase of bipartisan unity? ... That's going too far"

Choi Kang-wook, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Open Democratic Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 22nd, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, dismissed the analysis on the 14th suggesting that a new phase of integration between the Democratic Party of Korea and the Open Democratic Party might have opened following a phone call with President Moon Jae-in, saying, "That's going too far."

In a phone interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that morning, Choi said, "There has been no official communication with the Democratic Party, nor has the issue (party integration) been officially raised, so it is not something the president would take the lead on."

Earlier, President Moon had said during a call with Choi the previous day, "Please convey my encouragement and regards to the Open Democratic Party candidates and members who endured together during the general election process," adding, "It was truly heartwarming to see the mutual respect and cooperation."

However, Choi cited the remarks of Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan, who said "the two parties should integrate," and predicted, "During the Democratic Party's convention process, questions like 'How will you establish relations with the Open Democratic Party?' will naturally start to arise among the candidates within the party."

Regarding President Moon's emphasis on reforming power institutions, Choi said, "Since the COVID-19 crisis, the Democratic Party, as the ruling party, should be in a position to pursue responsible policies. We have advocated more specialized reform areas and intended to continue voicing those concerns, which is why the president made such remarks."

On ongoing reports questioning how someone currently on trial can become party leader, Choi responded, "People who have obstructed parliamentary proceedings with violence hold key positions such as party leader and floor leader, and even those involved in bribery scandals become party leaders. I think the intention behind showing interest in someone indicted for absurd reasons is obvious."

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