Democratic Party and Rebuilding Korea Party: Complex Calculations for Merger

The host mentioned that within the Democratic-progressive camp, opinions are highly divided regarding the issue of merging with the Rebuilding Korea Party. They added that uncertainty about whether a merger will occur is currently escalating.

They added that there is a general atmosphere of not necessarily wanting a merger.

The panelist analyzed that the 12 proportional representation lawmakers belonging to the Rebuilding Korea Party would calculate the share they could obtain within the Democratic Party if a merger occurs. They also anticipated that local councilors would consider their standing and share within the Democratic Party.

The panelist emphasized competition for recruiting excellent candidates rather than fighting over shares during the merger process. They suggested that a merger could naturally occur through such competition, and it would be desirable to pursue integration gradually through subsequent election cycles.

The panelist stated that they strongly oppose the merger, believing that an unacceptable situation occurred when the Rebuilding Korea Party was first created. They presented skepticism about a merger based on past examples and expressed concerns that specific factions could be excluded during the merger process.

The panelist expressed concern over the sharp remarks between the Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party, stating that communication should not alienate supporters. They emphasized the need to refrain from provocative language that upsets supporters or party members and to strive for genuine chemical integration.

They added that such remarks only serve to alienate supporters and party members, and that a true chemical integration requires more effort than simply touching on sensitivities.

They analyzed that a merger achieved without healing the wounds between the two parties' supporters and winning their hearts would likely yield limited effectiveness. True integration, they emphasized, must begin with winning the hearts of the supporters.

They analyzed that the Rebuilding Korea Party seems to believe it can contest the general election without the Democratic Party's help, and that the Democratic Party needs to join hands with them to overcome the president's low approval ratings. This, they noted, has also led to criticism that former leader Cho Kuk's remarks have become harsher.

The panelist described the current situation as beyond a simple conflict, saying that supporters are 'at their wits' end,' and that the emotions of those involved are being frayed as merger discussions progress. This is not a conversation between individuals but a complex issue involving many supporters, where the deepening emotional divide makes merger discussions even more difficult.

The panelist stated that they clearly understand the cause of the decline in approval ratings since the local elections, analyzing that the conflict between the two parties is affecting these ratings. They explained that the movement of dual-party members is a key factor, and the combination of Chungcheong supporters and Rebuilding Korea Party supporters is causing the current fluctuations in approval ratings.

The panelist said it is necessary to calmly consider the true feelings of the 12 proportional representation lawmakers belonging to the Rebuilding Korea Party. They anticipated that most of them would want a merger, and analyzed that former leader Cho Kuk's hardline stance is making merger negotiations difficult. This suggests a difference between the personal interests of the lawmakers and the position of the party leadership.

This, they emphasized, is one of the major challenges to be resolved during the merger process.

The panelist noted that the 'Ji-min-bi-jo' (regional constituencies to the Democratic Party, proportional representation to the Rebuilding Korea Party) strategy was successfully executed in the last general election. At that time, former leader Cho Kuk gained considerable sympathy, and the fact that a presidential candidate always needs to be involved in forming a party played a role. However, in the local elections, where it was 'strength vs. strength,' the Democratic Party swept the elections, and the current situation is very different from the last general election, suggesting that past successful methods may not be effective now.