Kim Min-seok: “Refrain from Personal Opinions on Merger”

At today's Democratic Party Supreme Council meeting, leader Kim Min-seok stated his position on the method of alliance with the Rebuilding Korea Party. Kim emphasized that confirming the intentions of both parties' members should come first. This comes an hour before the Supreme Council meeting, when Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee appeared on News Factory and mentioned a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party.

Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee remarked that discussions on a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party would be ongoing 'under the surface,' like swans moving in a flock. In response, Party Leader Kim Min-seok requested that individual opinions regarding the merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party be refrained from as much as possible. Kim's remarks are interpreted as a cautionary message in response to Choi Min-hee's comments.

At today's Supreme Council meeting, in addition to urging individual lawmakers to refrain from speaking about the Rebuilding Korea Party, the controversy targeting lawmaker Yong Hye-in after yesterday's cabinet announcement was also mentioned. Pro-Cheong Wa Dae factions, including Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, and Dong-A Ilbo, are attempting to disrupt the cabinet appointments themselves through Yong Hye-in. It was pointed out that Lee Jun-seok and others are using Yong Hye-in's past record of extreme feminist claims, such as non-consensual intercourse, which are difficult for men in their 20s and 30s to easily agree with, as a means of division, thus forming the background of the controversy.

Kim Min-seok emphasized that even if a lawmaker expresses political convictions, participation in the cabinet means being a member of the government and must be in harmony with government policy. He stated that cabinet participation requires adjusting one's personal stance to align with the government's broader direction as a representative and spokesperson for the government. He added that past personal views would be established, re-established, and matured by the candidates themselves during the confirmation hearing process.

Kim Min-seok emphasized that the cabinet reshuffle is an important starting point for changes in national policy. He stated that the Democratic Party has already been discussing various issues, including electoral, party, and political systems, with progressive reform alliance parties such as the Social Democratic Party, the Progressive Party, and the Basic Income Party, and will accelerate these discussions in the future. Kim predicted that discussions on alliances would become more active with this cabinet reshuffle.

Kim Min-seok reaffirmed that an alliance with the Rebuilding Korea Party in the broad sense is a given. However, he stated that the method of alliance, whether it will be a merger or another form, has not yet been decided. He added that since there are pros and cons within the party, the matter will be handled after confirming the overwhelming intentions of both parties' members through democratic procedures.

Kim Min-seok stated that for now, it is best for all members of the leadership, including himself, and lawmakers to refrain from expressing personal opinions as much as possible and to entrust this issue to the responsible body. He encouraged party members to express their opinions naturally but urged them to engage in rational discussions rather than provoking emotional responses. He also requested that the Rebuilding Korea Party designate a channel for communication with lawmaker Lee Hae-sik.

Kim Min-seok mentioned that the issue of dual party membership within the Democratic Party is also a very important prerequisite for alliance discussions. He stated that this is not a precondition but a concurrent task that will be handled, and asked Supreme Council member Park Seon-won, who is in charge of this issue, to report on the plan for transparent handling in a timely manner.

Regarding Kim Min-seok's mention of dual party membership, it was pointed out that a significant number of Rebuilding Korea Party members are likely to have dual membership with the Democratic Party. These individuals could express opinions as both Democratic Party members and Rebuilding Korea Party members, adding complexity to the merger discussion process. This is seen as one of the reasons why Kim Min-seok emphasizes official procedures and discussions regarding the merger issue.

The analysis suggests that Kim Min-seok's request to refrain from speaking on the merger issue differs in tone from the pro-Cheong Wa Dae Supreme Council members who are pro-Cho Kuk. While lawmaker Choi Min-hee hinted at under-the-table negotiations by comparing merger discussions to 'swans,' Kim Min-seok emphasizes official procedures and discussions. There is also a view that the Rebuilding Korea Party might prefer under-the-table negotiations, which could be more advantageous for securing their share. Thus, there is a clear difference in the approach to merger discussions between the two parties, and even within the Democratic Party.

There is speculation that if the merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party is not swiftly concluded and is prolonged, the issue of dual party membership could become a greater point of contention. This is because if an all-member vote is held to decide the merger method, dual party membership will certainly be an obstacle. This shows that while Kim Min-seok is pushing for a merger, there are differences in their respective points of emphasis.

The current cabinet reshuffle issue is having the effect of bringing the merger issue with the Rebuilding Korea Party to the surface. With lawmaker Lee Ye-min of the Rebuilding Korea Party being summoned to Cheong Wa Dae and lawmaker Yong Hye-in of the Basic Income Party joining the cabinet, an atmosphere of encompassing various opposition parties is being created, leading to more active merger discussions. This is also the background for the merger discussion on Kim Ho-jun's News Factory.

Kim Min-seok is seen as taking a cautious stance on the merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party, aiming to approach it calmly over time. In contrast, the pro-Cheong Wa Dae faction shows impatience, seeking to increase their influence and voice by having the Rebuilding Korea Party join the Democratic Party. This is because more than 10 Rebuilding Korea Party lawmakers could become a core force within the pro-Cheong Wa Dae faction.

Accordingly, there is an analysis that Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Ho-jun's side may actively utilize the merger issue after the national convention as a solution to amplify their voices.