Democratic Party Re-elected Lawmakers' Group: "Let's Halt Merger Talks Immediately"

Kang Junhyun: "Many support the merger itself"
"Timing and process are not appropriate," some point out
Proposal to create a discussion body after the elections

On February 10, the re-elected lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea conveyed to Representative Jung Cheongrae their intention to halt discussions on a merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.

Kang Junhyun, a lawmaker from the association of re-elected members of the Democratic Party, made this remark after finishing a meeting between Representative Jung and the re-elected lawmakers held at the National Assembly that day. Kang said, "The views among the re-elected lawmakers were largely aligned," adding, "We hope to stop any further escalation of conflict. There was a consensus to temporarily suspend the merger talks and focus on state affairs."

He said, "The goal of us re-elected lawmakers is the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration and victory in the local elections," and continued, "To that end, we hope to concentrate on current state affairs, and we agreed that we must provide strong support in national policy tasks and legislative agendas." He added, "Regarding the merger, there was a mood of 'let's make a decision as early as today if possible, and we call for a prompt decision from the party leader.'"

Kang Junhyun, chair of Theminjae's steering committee, is speaking at a meeting with Representative Jung Cheongrae held at the National Assembly on Feb. 10, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

As for how to bring to an end the merger talks that began at the suggestion of Representative Jung, a solution of "resolving it within the lawmakers themselves" was proposed. Kang said, "There were suggestions such as putting it to a vote of party members, but in general, the lawmakers said we should resolve it internally among ourselves." He went on, "There was criticism about the management of the process, and the way the Supreme Council members responded to the controversy did not look very good," adding, "The view was that, if there is anything to apologize for, they should apologize, and if there were causes that amplified the conflict, the process must be better managed."

Regarding the merger itself, there was a strong current of support, but the sentiment was that the timing and process were not appropriate. Hong Kiwon, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said, "There were many opinions in favor of the merger," adding, "There were differing views regarding process management and timing." Kang also said, "Ultimately, it is right to proceed with a merger," and added, "There were many suggestions that we should set up a discussion body after the local elections and go through a careful deliberation process."

There were also calls that the wounds caused by the controversy over the merger with the Innovation Party need to be healed. Hong said, "The Innovation Party is an allied party, and most of us are in favor of the merger, so there were also comments that we should keep in mind the need to show consideration for the other side."

Earlier, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae said in his public remarks at the meeting, "I believe there are opinions that integration with the Innovation Party will contribute to victory in the local elections and the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration, and there are also opinions that now is not the right time," adding, "Whether one supports or opposes integration with the Innovation Party, I believe that is an expression of love and devotion to the party." Regarding the party being divided into pro- and anti-merger positions, he said, "I think this is a difference in methods with the goal of winning the local elections and ensuring the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration, not a difference in the goals themselves."

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