Democratic Party: "Central Committee to Lead Initial Discussions on Unifying June 3 Local Election Candidates"

Kang Junhyun Holds Press Briefing

Democratic Party Aims for Victory in All Parliamentary By-Elections

The Democratic Party of Korea has decided that discussions on consolidating candidates across the broader pro-government bloc for the June 3 local elections will be handled by the central party. The party also reaffirmed its intention to field candidates in all districts for the parliamentary by-elections, which will be held in conjunction with the local elections.

Kang Junhyun, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party, stated at a press conference held at the National Assembly on the 27th, "The central party will first initiate discussions on consolidation, including with the Innovation Party of Korea and the Progressive Party, through a joint consultative body," adding, "It appears that such efforts will not be carried out voluntarily by individual regional branches." Kang further noted that Cho Seungrye, secretary-general of the Democratic Party, would soon meet with the secretaries-general of the Innovation Party and the Progressive Party to discuss potential consolidation.

Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the negotiation stance, Kang emphasized, "The word 'concession' does not exist in the consolidation process," and added, "Any agreement will be reached through mutual consensus."

On the matter of nominations for the 14 parliamentary by-elections expected to be held alongside the local elections, Kang explained, "Our party's position is to aim for victory in every district," and added, "We will strategically consider and review our options with the goal of winning all regions." Regarding the recruitment of Ha Jungwoo, Chief of AI Future Planning at the Presidential Office, Kang said, "The party has earnestly requested Chief Ha to run," and conveyed, "With little time remaining, the most important factor now is Chief Ha's own willingness."

As for the nomination process for the parliamentary by-elections, which will be determined as part of the party's strategic nominations, Kang stated, "We will not announce any specific districts in advance, and the announcement will be made at the discretion of the party leader as decisions are finalized."

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