Warming Up the Innovation Camp... Lee Nak-yeon Draws a Line on Alliance Rumors

The non-mainstream (非明) reform faction 'Wonchikgwa Sangsik' (Principles and Common Sense) is set to hold a forum at the National Assembly on the 10th, marking the start of its full-scale momentum gathering. The event will also include 'Minjujuui Silcheon Haengdong' (Democracy Practice Action), a group composed of out-of-office pro-Lee Nak-yeon figures, drawing attention to the possibility of an alliance with former leader Lee Nak-yeon. Especially as the 'new party theory' surrounding Lee gains traction, there is speculation that these groups might unite into a new party. However, members of 'Wonchikgwa Sangsik' have drawn a clear line, stating that "there has been no prior consultation with former leader Lee."

Yoon Young-chan, a Democratic Party lawmaker and member of 'Wonchikgwa Sangsik,' said on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the 8th, "Wonchikgwa Sangsik does not share any sympathy or prior consultation with former leader Lee," adding, "The concerns we are currently considering are probably quite similar, but each of us is contemplating them in our own positions. We empathize with former leader Lee's concerns, and he also empathizes with ours."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

They share similar concerns but have not yet reached the level of concrete alliance. The non-mainstream reform faction group 'Wonchikgwa Sangsik,' to which Yoon belongs, plans to hold a forum at the National Assembly on the 10th to listen to public sentiment. 'Minjujuui Silcheon Haengdong,' a group of out-of-office pro-Lee Nak-yeon figures, will also participate, focusing attention on the connection with former leader Lee. However, when asked by the host whether they had sent an invitation to former leader Lee, Yoon firmly denied it, saying, "It is not true that we sent an invitation to former leader Lee."

Kim Jong-min, a Democratic Party lawmaker and member of 'Wonchikgwa Sangsik,' also explained on KBS 1 Radio's 'Today,' "If it is about alliance, we intend to ally with former leader Lee, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Lee Jae-myung, and others. We are holding this public discussion to pursue all alliances," adding, "There is no specific plan to establish a new party."

He continued, "If we share opinions or sympathize, that can be considered an alliance. There are many points of agreement and sympathy regarding former leader Lee's concerns for the party, but we have never had conversations or shared plans about forming a new party together."

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon also stated on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' "(There is) absolutely no talk of 'let's do this together,'" adding, "If we raise our voices and take action, I hope that the three prime ministers and the advisory group will form a scrum and become a strong backing for us." Regarding the 'Lee Nak-yeon new party,' he said, "If they were really going to form a new party, we would have heard some concrete plans by now. But we have not heard anything like that at all."

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