Democratic Party: "No Unification in Pyeongtaek-eul... Supporting Cho Kuk Is Grounds for Disciplinary Action," Says Lee Hocheol

"Democratic Party to Fully Support Kim Yongnam This Weekend"
Regarding Kim Kwanyoung's 300 Million Won in Sponsorship... "Not a Veto Against the Democratic Party"

On May 15, the Democratic Party of Korea announced that it has no plans to unify the progressive bloc in the Pyeongtaek-eul district of Gyeonggi Province ahead of next month's parliamentary by-election.

Jo Seungrae, Secretary General and Chief of the Central Election Campaign Headquarters of the Democratic Party, is making remarks related to the election at a press conference held at the National Assembly on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Seungrae Cho, Chief of the Central Election Campaign Headquarters for the Democratic Party, stated at a press conference that afternoon, "There are no discussions regarding unification." Cho added, "This Saturday, a campaign office opening event is scheduled for candidate Kim Yongnam in Pyeongtaek-eul," and continued, "Many people, including party leader Jeong Cheongrae, will attend to demonstrate our determination to secure victory."

Additionally, Cho emphasized, "Our standing rule remains that supporting or campaigning for candidates from other parties or independents will be regarded as grounds for disciplinary action," and further stated, "I have heard that various people are engaging in similar activities. Instead of responding to each case individually, we will monitor all such instances and make a comprehensive judgment." Earlier that morning, Lee Hocheol, a Democratic Party member and former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, wrote on his social networking service (SNS), "I am an ordinary member of the Democratic Party, but I support Cho Kuk, a candidate from another party." He also addressed the party leadership, saying, "Discipline me if you wish."

Meanwhile, in response to criticism from Kim Dookyum's campaign—Kim being a candidate for Ulsan mayor—regarding the unification agreement between the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party in Ulsan as "collusion and power-sharing," Cho countered, "This decision was made from a sense of urgency, believing that we must not allow the People Power Party to regain control of Ulsan’s administration." He added, "Since Kim Dookyum has attacked the agreement as collusion, I assume he will not pursue unification."

On the same day, regarding the report that the fundraising account for Kwan-young Kim, independent candidate for North Jeolla Province governor, has collected over 300 million won, Cho commented, "It is difficult to interpret this as an expression of veto against the Democratic Party," and added, "Unification is not emerging as a major issue."

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