The Democratic Party of Korea reached a peak of conflict over the leak of a document related to a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party. Merger opponents within the party leadership raised their voices, saying, "If the merger document is true, this is a secret deal," and that Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae should bear full responsibility. By contrast, Jung said he knew nothing about the document and said the circumstances of the leak must be thoroughly investigated.
On the morning of the 6th, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Jung said, "I was startled this morning (the 6th) when I saw an article by one outlet. A working-level document that was not reported to a formal meeting, not discussed, and not carried out was leaked," adding, "Whoever did this, Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae should investigate strictly."
He added, "Because there are elements that could cause various misunderstandings, I think we should hold someone accountable for this part," and said, "I also learned about it from the newspaper, and none of the Supreme Council members knew. We will investigate thoroughly."
One outlet reported that after Jung released a proposal to merge with the Rebuilding Korea Party, a document related to the merger was drafted inside the Democratic Party. The document reportedly included the merger timetable and even the allocation method for Supreme Council members. However, through a notice, the Democratic Party emphasized that "the document was never reported to or discussed at any official meeting," stressing that it is not an official material.
Voices of criticism grew among merger opponents within the party leadership. Kang Deuk-gu, a Democratic Party Supreme Council member, said, "If the leaked document is true, it means a secret deal on the merger. I believe Jung should take full responsibility for this," adding, "As a Supreme Council member, I feel deep self-reproach that I learned of such facts through the media."
Hwang Myeong-seon, also a Supreme Council member, said, "As a document reviewing the merger procedure and promotion schedule, evidence has emerged that the merger proposal was a 'dapjeongneo' merger with the conclusion fixed from the start," adding, "After bypassing the Supreme Council, were they also going to turn even the party members' vote into a rubber stamp?"
At the end of the meeting, Jung said, "Since I proposed the merger issue, many party members and lawmakers have been expressing a variety of opinions," adding, "As leader, I will do my utmost to heed the will of party members and lawmakers so that we can move in the right direction."