Democratic Party: "Unification of Pyeongtaek B Candidates Impossible at This Stage... Shared Understanding with Innovation Party"

On the Possibility of Conservative Unification

"If New Variables Arise, We Will Decide Then"

The Democratic Party of Korea announced on May 28 that, at this stage, it would be difficult for Democratic Party candidate Kim Yongnam and Innovation Party candidate Cho Kuk to unify their candidacies in the June 3 by-election for National Assembly member in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

Candidates running in the by-election for the National Assembly in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, appealed for support around Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province on the 21st. From left to right: Kim Yongnam of the Democratic Party of Korea, Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party, Jo Guk of the Innovation Party, Kim Jaeyeon of the Progressive Party, and Hwang Kyo-ahn of the Liberty and Innovation Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Jo Seungrae, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press briefing at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, that afternoon. When asked about the discussions between the Democratic Party and Innovation Party Secretary-General Lee Haemin regarding the possible consolidation of candidates in Pyeongtaek, he responded, "We agreed that it is difficult and impossible to unify the candidates under the current circumstances."

Jo further stated, "The Innovation Party is demanding that our candidate, Kim Yongnam, withdraw his candidacy, but it is clear that we have no intention to do so, nor is it possible for us to withdraw."

Regarding the possibility of a last-minute unification between Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party and Hwang Kyo-ahn of the Liberty and Innovation Party, Jo answered, "Since that variable has not yet occurred, we will make a decision if and when it does."

Earlier that morning, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae also appeared on the YouTube channel "Kim Eo-jun's Humility Is Hard News Factory" and commented on the possibility of unification between Kim Yongnam and Cho Kuk, saying, "Realistically, unification has become difficult." As for the possibility of unification within the conservative bloc, he said, "We must be prepared for all possibilities. If such a situation arises, we will reconsider our stance."

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