"Open Democratic Party Merger" Under Consideration... Joo Mi-ae's Proposal, Lee Jae-myung "Actively Welcomes"

Choo Mi-ae "A Conservative Grand Coalition is Forming Centered on the People Power Party"
Lee Jae-myung "We Must Become a Greater Unity to Complete the Candlelight Revolution and Reform Livelihoods"
Open Democratic Party "No Reason to Issue an Official Position on Individual Presidential Candidate Stances"

Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the ruling party's presidential candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated on the 9th that former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's "proposal for integration with the Open Democratic Party" is "a timely and good proposal. I actively welcome it."

Earlier on the same day (the 9th), former Minister Choo held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly communication office, saying, "The leadership and members of the Open Democratic Party are comrades who brought about the Moon Jae-in administration and candlelight democracy together," and emphasized, "We should prepare for integration with the Open Democratic Party, which was part of the same family just over a year ago, with an open attitude."

In response, Governor Lee said, "This presidential election will be a close contest between the Democratic Party candidate and the opposition candidate," adding, "The reform forces must unite to defeat the anti-reform and anti-candlelight forces."

He continued, "I hope the leadership of both parties meet soon to start integration discussions," and urged, "Furthermore, I hope these discussions become an opportunity to spread public confidence in establishing the 4th Democratic government."

While former Minister Choo cited the reason for integration as "a conservative grand coalition centered around the People Power Party," Governor Lee emphasized the completion of the candlelight revolution that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, saying, "We must become a greater unity for the completion of the candlelight revolution and livelihood reform," focusing on ideological integration rather than conservative coalition.

This appears to emphasize that integration with the Open Democratic Party is a coalition against the "anti-candlelight forces."

Choi Kang-wook, Leader of the Open Democratic Party. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, a representative from former leader Lee Nak-yeon's camp explained, "Integration with the Open Democratic Party has never been discussed," adding, "It is premature to talk about merging during the primary when the candidate has not even been decided yet."

A representative from the Jung Sye-kyun camp also said, "Unless the Open Democratic Party has a presidential candidate, talking about merging is inappropriate during the primary process."

The Open Democratic Party side also stated, "There is no reason to issue an official position on individual presidential candidates' stances," and has not responded to the proposals from former Minister Choo and Governor Lee.

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