Integration·Korea, 'Incomplete' Merger Agreement... Timing and Method Issues Remain

Joo Ho-young and Won Yoo-chul Agree on "Prompt Merger"... Plan to Proceed Quickly
No Deadline Set... Integration Nature and Stake Issues May Arise During Discussions
Won Yoo-chul Calls for "Party-to-Party Merger... Assigning Standing Committees to Utilize Elected Officials' Expertise"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, and Won Yoo-chul, leader of the Mirae Korea Party, shake hands before holding a press conference related to the merger at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Lim Chunhan] The United Future Party and the Future Korea Party are proceeding with the merger process just over a month after the general election ended. On the 14th, Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the United Future Party who returned to party duties, met with Won Yoo-chul, the leader of the Future Korea Party, and formalized the 'prompt merger.' However, since no deadline was set, there is a possibility that the two-party system will be maintained for a while in the 21st National Assembly. There are also signs of disputes over shares such as party positions during the integration discussions.

The Future Korea Party held a meeting with elected members at the National Assembly on the 15th to gather opinions on the merger with the United Future Party. Initially, it was expected that discussions would mainly focus on pros and cons of the merger, but after the leadership of both parties agreed on the merger the previous day, the discussion shifted to the method, timing, and procedures of the integration. Based on the conclusions reached that day, the Future Korea Party plans to hold a general meeting on the 19th, gathering 20th National Assembly members, 21st elected members, and party officials to consolidate consensus. Afterwards, a Supreme Council meeting will be held to make the final decision on the merger.

Until now, there have been speculations inside and outside the political circle that the Future Korea Party might delay the merger as Leader Won was pushing to amend the party constitution to extend his term by holding a party convention on the 19th. There were also forecasts that the party might form a negotiation group and act independently. However, with both parties concluding on 'prompt merger' the previous day, the justification for term extension and forming a negotiation group has weakened.

Leader Won also said on MBC radio that day, "It would be good to complete the merger before May 29, when my term ends. The sooner, the better," and added, "The merger discussions will not take that long." Regarding the term extension, he drew a line by saying, "That discussion is only until before the merger." At a press conference the previous day, he also said, "The merger is the main focus. The rest, such as term extension, is secondary."

Won Yu-cheol, leader of the Future Korea Party, is attending the meeting of elected members held at the National Assembly on the 15th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

However, the spark remains. The leadership of both parties did not clearly set the timing of the merger. There is also a possibility that issues regarding the nature of the integration and shares will arise during the discussions. Leader Won said on the radio that day that the nature of the integration between the two parties is a "party-to-party merger under the Political Parties Act." The Democratic Party of Korea merged by absorbing the Together Citizens' Party, maintaining the party name and leadership system. If, as Leader Won said, it is a "party-to-party merger," then the party name and leadership composition must be newly discussed. In this process, the Future Korea Party leadership is expected to demand shares such as party positions.

There is also a possibility of a power struggle over the placement of secretariat staff and the formation of committees. When asked whether the formation of committees would be entrusted to the United Future Party, Leader Won said, "We will ensure that elected members are not marginalized and can utilize their expertise in standing committees." At the meeting with elected members that day, he emphasized, "The Future Korea Party combined the competitiveness of the elected members present here, the support of incumbents, and the dedication of the secretariat to surpass the Together Citizens' Party and rank first among 35 proportional representation parties."

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