'Decision to Leave' Approaching Democratic Party... A Turning Point for 'Opposition Realignment'

Lee Nak-yeon Likely to Accelerate New Party Formation After Leaving Party This Week
'Principle and Common Sense' Also Near Decision on Position... Incumbent Impact
Three Months Before General Election, Lee's Absence... Integration Challenges Uncertain

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was attacked, causing the clock on the Democratic Party's 'division' to start ticking again after a lull. Former leader Lee Nak-yeon hinted that he would leave the party this week. Lawmakers belonging to the reformist group 'Principles and Common Sense' also plan to issue a postponed final ultimatum. This week, with only three months left until the general election, is expected to be a turning point for the reorganization of the opposition.

According to political circles on the 8th, former leader Lee Nak-yeon, after paying respects at the Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery the day before, told reporters, "There are issues to discuss with comrades, but I think I should greet and ask for forgiveness in the latter half of this week." He particularly emphasized that he would present an alternative to the "political structure monopolized by the incompetent and corrupt two major parties," calling it "the reconstruction and expansion of the opposition."

Former leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yeon is kneeling and paying respects at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju on the morning of the 7th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former leader Lee Nak-yeon had originally planned to set the 'D-Day' in mid-this month and continue the party formation process. However, the clock stopped when Lee Jae-myung was unexpectedly attacked during his schedule in Gadeokdo, Busan, on the 2nd. Nevertheless, since the plan is to complete the launch of the new party before the Lunar New Year holiday, especially by early February, it seems he judged that this week cannot be missed.

The reformist group 'Principles and Common Sense' is also expected to make a decision about their future this week. They initially planned to issue a 'final ultimatum' on the 3rd, but it was postponed due to the attack on Lee Jae-myung. The Principles and Common Sense faction demanded a transition to a unified emergency committee on the premise of Lee's resignation. However, Lee did not accept this. They are expected to focus on a 'third zone alliance' after leaving the party. They consistently keep their distance from the possibility of joining a new party or the 'Lee Nak-yeon new party.'

A lawmaker belonging to Principles and Common Sense said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "There are repeated talks as if leaving the party or forming a new party is certain, but nothing has been decided," adding, "We are still deliberating and reconciling differences." He continued, "We will consider Lee Jae-myung's condition, but we cannot delay indefinitely, so a decision must be made soon," emphasizing, "What is certain now is that we (Principles and Common Sense) will act together."

The political circles are watching the possibility of a 'third zone big tent.' On the 9th, at the book launch event of Yang Hyang-ja, leader of Korea's Hope, former leader Lee Nak-yeon, Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the Reform New Party's Policy Committee, and Geum Tae-seop, co-leader of New Choice, are scheduled to meet. If the Principles and Common Sense lawmakers also proceed with leaving the party, it is expected that the ripple effect within the Democratic Party will be significant.

Democratic Party reformist group 'Principles and Common Sense'. From the left, Representatives Kim Jong-min, Cho Eung-cheon, Yoon Young-chan, and Lee Won-wook.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

As the flow of leaving the party gains momentum again, the Democratic Party leadership's concerns are deepening. Although the formation of the nomination management committee, expected to quell factional conflicts, has been completed, dissatisfaction remains within some party circles, labeling it a 'pro-Lee Jae-myung nomination committee.' Lee himself is highly involved in the overall general election process, including directly chairing the talent committee, which also causes repercussions due to the 'leadership vacuum.'

The leadership plans to handle routine party affairs centered on the Supreme Council and to resume general election-related schedules such as talent recruitment from the 8th. However, with only three months left until the general election, there are concerns that achieving the task of 'unification' without a leader will be difficult. A senior lawmaker from the metropolitan area said, "Although most of the nomination committee members are from outside, the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction ultimately exerts influence in key positions," adding, "Since nominations are at stake, no one openly voices dissatisfaction, but if this continues, it could fester and explode."

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