The Democratic Party of Korea and presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung significantly recruited figures from the conservative camp. A joint declaration by the Democratic Party and conservative figures mentioned the term "patriotic conservatism," which is frequently referenced by the far-right camp. Just one week before the presidential election, they are actively expanding their outreach.
The Democratic Party of Korea's election task force held a press conference on the morning of the 27th at the party's central office in Yeouido, Seoul, announcing the "genuine conservative joint declaration." The declaration included Kwon Oh-eul and Lee In-gi, co-chairs of the task force, along with former Navy Chief of Staff Lee Jong-ho, former Air Force Academy Superintendent Yoon Byeong-ho, former Commander of the 777th Unit Kim Hyun-seob, former Reform Party chairwoman Her Eun-a, former lawmakers Kim Yong-nam and Choi Yeon-sook, among others.
Through the declaration, they noted, "We accept the task of removing insurrectionary forces from democracy as a historical responsibility of 'genuine conservatism,'" adding, "This is a new challenge to realize true conservatism, rational conservatism, patriotic conservatism, and the philosophy of genuine conservatism once again."
They emphasized, "The 'practical livelihood policy' and 'reinforcement of moderate conservatism' proposed by candidate Lee Jae-myung have presented us with new questions and courage," stating, "If the large vessel for an integrated renaissance, which enables both progressives and conservatives to coexist, is established as promised by candidate Lee and the Democratic Party, we will carve out a democratic and reform-oriented path for conservatism within it."
The Democratic Party of Korea highlighted that members from various backgrounds, including conservative parties and military personnel, as well as members of the People Power Party's university committee, have joined the task force. Conservative figures involved in the joint declaration are expected to discuss their future activity directions.
Kim Min-seok, co-chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's task force, stated, "I expect that the Democratic Party will develop into a meaningful seed in the area of reinforcing moderate conservatism compared to the People Power Party or third parties," adding, "Genuine conservatism will take the lead in reinforcing traditional moderate conservative values within the framework of a major regime change called the Democratic Party."
The Democratic Party of Korea has recently shown a continuous unification effort to expand its outreach. However, it caused some controversy when it brought in Kim Dae-nam, a former administrative officer from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, into the central task force. It is reported that efforts to recruit independent lawmaker Kim Jong-min, who is from the anti-Lee Jae-myung faction, fell through due to internal opposition.
Candidate Lee Jae-myung met with reporters on the 22nd in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, stating, "The situation concerning Kim Dae-nam seems to be a mistake in practical affairs. It was a rash action that undermines the value of unification," and added, "I have instructed that preventive measures and, if necessary, disciplinary actions should be considered."