The Opposition Innovation Group 'Principles and Common Sense'... "If Lee Jae-myung Gives No Answer, Will Leave the Party Tomorrow"

De Facto Final Ultimatum... "Lee Has One Day Left"
Demand to Transition to 'Integrated Emergency Committee' on Condition of Resigning as Party Leader
Jo Eung-cheon: "No Response Means No Choice... Will Stand at Communication Office"

Jo Eung-cheon, a member of the Democratic Party's reformist group 'Principles and Common Sense,' announced that he would leave the party on the 10th if Representative Lee Jae-myung does not respond to demands for innovation, including the formation of an 'Emergency Integration Committee.' The four 'Principles and Common Sense' lawmakers, who have announced joint action, have effectively issued a 'final ultimatum.'

On the 9th, Jo said on SBS Radio, "Representative Lee Jae-myung has one day left," adding, "If he does not respond to our demands within that time, won't we have no choice but to stand in the communication room (a press conference space in the National Assembly)?" He further stated, "We have demanded a decision from the Democratic Party until the end, but if we do not get an answer, there is no other way." When the host asked again, "So, will you leave the party?" he replied, "Yes."

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

'Principles and Common Sense' has so far demanded a transition to an integrated emergency committee system based on Representative Lee Jae-myung's resignation. The purpose was party reform to win the general election, especially to quell factional conflicts, with the implication that Lee should break ties with his so-called 'Gaeddal' hardline supporters.

Jo, along with Lee Won-wook, Kim Jong-min, and Yoon Young-chan, four members of 'Principles and Common Sense,' reportedly held a meeting the previous afternoon to discuss their future course of action. If there is no response from Lee within a day starting from that day, they plan to hold a press conference on the 10th to announce their departure from the party.

'Principles and Common Sense' is also keeping open the possibility of joining forces with factions currently pushing to form a new party in the third political zone, including former representatives Lee Nak-yeon and Lee Jun-seok of the People Power Party. Jo said, "Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 will not have much synergy," adding, "A 'big tent' must be created through the coalition of third-zone forces so that the public can comfortably cast their votes."

Earlier, on the 5th, Representative Lee Won-wook also stated on KBS Radio, "I think not only former Representative Lee Nak-yeon but also former Representative Lee Jun-seok and other forces should come together at one point," and added, "‘Principles and Common Sense’ plans to play a (focal) role for that purpose."

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