The Democratic Party of Korea decided to suspend merger talks with the Rebuilding Korea Party until the local elections in June. However, it will form a preparatory committee to promote integration for the merger and will push for integration again after the elections.
Jung Chung-rae, the Democratic Party leader, held a briefing at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 10th after a closed Supreme Council meeting, saying, "We decided to suspend merger talks before the elections and to form a preparatory committee to promote solidarity and integration," and added, "After the elections, we will pursue integration centered on the integration promotion preparatory committee."
Jung also said, "The proposal to integrate with the Rebuilding Korea Party was solely out of loyalty to win the elections and ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration," adding, "I have seen integration exert great power in elections, and victory was desperately needed to completely eradicate the rebellion forces."
At the same time, Jung noted, "The integration proposal brought many concerns and worries inside and outside the party. It is also true that the synergistic effect through integration has faced difficulties," and added, "I listened to the opinions of lawmakers and carefully reviewed opinion poll indicators among Democratic Party supporters."
Jung said, "Whether one supported or opposed integration with the Rebuilding Korea Party, all of us have the spirit of putting the party before ourselves," adding, "Everything that happened during the integration talks was due to my shortcomings. I apologize to the Democratic Party members and the Rebuilding Korea Party members."
Jung continued, "I understand well the sentiments of those who actively voiced opinions on integration. To shoot an arrow far, you must pull the bowstring farther back," and emphasized, "Going forward, the Democratic Party leadership will be more united and more humble, and will do our utmost for victory in the elections and the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration."
The Democratic Party held, in sequence, a meeting of second-term lawmakers and a general assembly of lawmakers to discuss a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party on the day. During this process, a flood of requests called for immediately halting merger talks before the elections and for the party leadership to make a decision within the day.