Dissatisfaction from Korean Party over "Proper Progress Requires Formation of Emergency Committee" Statement

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Discussions on the merger between the United Future Party and the Future Korea Party have reached a deadlock. Amid the lack of consensus within the Korea Party, the public emergence of unagreed statements is intensifying confusion. As these remarks are interpreted as attempts to delay the merger, there is backlash within the Korea Party itself, with some calling them "inappropriate statements."

A member of the Korea Party leadership told reporters on the 19th, "The merger talks can only progress once the United Future Party appoints an emergency committee chairman or party leader." Regarding the possibility of a merger before the opening of the 21st National Assembly (May 30), he said, "The party leader holds the authority over the party's direction," adding, "If the United Future Party does not appoint an emergency committee chairman or party leader before the 29th, the merger will be difficult."

Although this statement was made to explain the physical difficulty of merging within May, it had a strong impact as it came after talks had already begun, including a resolution for a "prompt merger" with United Future Party floor leader Joo Ho-young. Previously, Korea Party leader Won Yoo-chul also left room for discussion by stating in a media interview, "If there is a change in the United Future Party's leadership and an emergency committee chairman is appointed, I will quickly continue discussions with that person." As such remarks continued, dissatisfaction arose not only in political circles but also within the United Future Party, with some viewing it as a strategy to effectively delay the merger.

There is also discontent within the Korea Party regarding various statements made without consensus among members, which are being mentioned as if they were conditions for the merger. Representative Yeom Dong-ryeol, who participates in the merger task force, said in a phone interview on the 20th, "I don't know if the leader said that, but I absolutely cannot agree with that part," adding, "It is an individual's opinion, not the official stance of the party." A proportional representative-elect also criticized, saying, "It is a dangerous remark that could be perceived as a refusal to acknowledge the partner," and questioned, "Isn't this a statement that could cause considerable suspicion about the partnership (with the United Future Party)?”

The lack of progress in merger talks between the United Future Party and the Korea Party is partly due to differences in their attitudes toward the merger, but there is also analysis that it stems from the Korea Party's failure to gather consensus. Unlike the United Future Party, which has effectively unified its stance on a "merger within this month," the Korea Party has not reached a conclusion as opinions on the timing of the merger vary among its members. Although the Korea Party's proportional representatives gathered opinions the day before, stating "the merger should preferably be completed by the 29th of this month," the party leadership, which holds decision-making power, consisting of current 20th National Assembly members, intends to make a final decision at the party convention on the 26th.

Representative Yeom said, "The task force is supposed to listen to and coordinate both sides' positions, but we have not been fully informed or understood the thoughts of our side's (Korea Party) leader or members, making it difficult to independently fulfill the role of the task force," adding, "What conclusion is reached on the 26th is important."

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