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Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Jung Chung-rae, stated on the 4th that he plans to engage in discussions and meet with lawmakers to collect views regarding the integration with the Rebuilding Korea Party. Although there were multiple appeals from supporters of Myung Supreme Council to stop the merger talks, Representative Jung indicated that he intends to continue the merger process, mentioning, “I will gather the opinions of party members.”

During the Supreme Council session at the National Assembly that day, Representative Jung mentioned, “Legislators have suggested talks and gatherings about the merger. I will follow the planned timeline.”

Previously, the ‘Democratic First’ group of first-term Democratic Party lawmakers suggested a meeting with Representative Jung, while five-term legislator Park Ji-won also requested a gathering of senior lawmakers.

Representative Jung stated, “I think it is appropriate to broadcast the entire discussion in real time, and party members should be able to view the proceedings,” but also mentioned, “As lawmakers are hesitant to make the entire process public, if they prefer it to remain private, I will do whatever they wish.”

Representative Jung also mentioned, “The entire merger process relies on the determination of the party members,” and appealed, “I request your focused attention and lively debates.”

Members of the Pro-Myung Supreme Council, Lee Un-ju, Hwang Myeong-seon, and Kang Deuk-gu, publicly called on Representative Jung to stop the merger talks on that day.

Supreme Council member Lee stated, “There are discussions suggesting that the merger is needed to ensure a particular individual becomes president, centered around specific YouTube channels and online groups,” and noted, “There are also comments that appear to view the Democratic Party as a tool for making Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk the president.” Member Lee further said, “This is ‘Lee Jae Myung’s time,’ not the moment to push for the next presidential candidate. In the ruling party, which holds a majority of seats, not in the opposition or a minority government, with the president’s approval rating approaching 60%, it is unusual that such conversations have already begun.”

Member Lee stated, “Supporters of the Democratic Party are already beginning to doubt if a particular individual is leveraging our party as a platform for their presidential campaign or attempting to establish their standing for the upcoming election,” and warned, “We need to be cautious about being perceived in this manner.”

Supreme Council member Hwang addressed Representative Jung, saying, “Representative, we ask you to decide to halt the merger talks.” Member Hwang stated, “I have no doubt about your genuine intention in suggesting the merger, and I agree on its importance,” but continued, “However, despite your dedication and honesty, the proposal has led to internal disagreements and unnecessary conflicts with the Rebuilding Korea Party.”

He added, “Instead of intensifying the discussion further, the leadership should express regret to party members and the Rebuilding Korea Party and cease the merger talks with a mature approach.”

Supreme Council member Kang stated, “Within the broader context of uniting the democratic faction, aligning with the Rebuilding Korea Party is a route we will inevitably need to pursue at some point,” but highlighted, “Currently, the focus should be on combining our efforts within the overarching framework of people’s well-being and reform, rather than through a merger.”

Member Kang said, “The Democratic Party, which is expected to back the Lee Jae Myung administration, is shifting public focus through merger discussions and dimming the government’s accomplishments. The local elections have just started. Pushing for a merger now will only cause more confusion,” and emphasized, “Merger talks should cease immediately.”

After the members of the Supreme Council concluded their statements, Representative Jung added further remarks, stating, “You all mention things like ‘let’s discuss,’ but one aspect that is missing is the dialogue with the true owners of the party, its members,” and proposed, “I hope this turns into a chance to encourage conversations with party members.”

He stated, “Before a complete party vote takes place, wouldn’t it be beneficial to hold a survey among all party members regarding the decision to continue with the merger? I plan to talk about this with the Supreme Council members.”

He further mentioned, “Lawmakers and party members are all equal within the party,” and highlighted, “They must be ensured equal opportunities to speak and participate in discussions.”