Democratic Party and Rebuilding Korea Party merger debate

Tensions have emerged regarding a potential political merger between the Democratic Party of Korea and the Rebuilding Korea Party.

Choi Min-hee, a supreme council member of the Democratic Party, advocated for a formal merger to prevent a split in progressive votes. She warned that independent candidates from the Rebuilding Korea Party could cause a loss of approximately 40 seats in the Seoul metropolitan area, potentially triggering a ‘Pyeongtaek Again’ scenario where votes are divided by narrow margins.

However, Cho Kuk, head of the Rebuilding Korea Party’s innovation research institute, has rejected merger rumors. He criticized the Democratic Party’s real estate tax policies, arguing they protect the top 1% rather than the middle class. Alongside leader Shin Jang-sik, Cho emphasized that no practical discussions are underway and stated that mutual trust must be restored before any merger can be considered.

Cho Kuk has since intensified his criticism of internal political dissent, specifically targeting journalists and commentators within the pro-Lee Jae-myung camp. Describing himself and his party as a ‘red team’ intended to ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration through necessary internal criticism, Cho condemned those who label such dissent as being ‘enemies’ or ‘pro-People Power Party.’ He compared this logic to the methods used by Stalin and Kim Il-sung to purge opposition.

Cho further demanded apologies from certain Democratic Party factions regarding ‘ideological attacks,’ such as labeling the Rebuilding Korea Party’s land policies as ‘socialist.’ He maintained that addressing these accusations and restoring trust remain fundamental prerequisites for any merger discussions.