On the 26th, Senior Spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun of the Democratic Party of Korea said regarding the suspension of the unified candidacy with The Progressive Party for Ulsan mayor that "the agreement is still valid" and noted it is necessary to watch the situation. On Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin's apology, Kang assessed that it appeared sincere.
At a press briefing that morning, Senior Spokesperson Kang said about the suspension of the unified candidacy with The Progressive Party for Ulsan mayor, "I understand that working-level talks are under way between the parties," adding, "As progress is made, it will be reported to the central party." Kang went on, "The unification is still valid," and said, "Please wait until today."
Regarding the controversy over whether the polling figures for the unification were checked, Senior Spokesperson Kang said, "The polling institute detected abnormal signs, and candidate Kim Sang-uk's side also identified them and likely took interim measures," adding, "Since it has already happened, discussions are continuing on the premise that the unification agreement is valid at this point."
The primary to unify the Ulsan mayoral candidates of the Democratic Party and The Progressive Party was agreed to be a 100% poll-based primary, but it was suspended on the 25th at the request of candidate Kim Sang-uk, missing the deadline for announcing the results. The Progressive Party is strongly protesting.
Regarding Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin's public apology that morning, Senior Spokesperson Kang said, "I believe the apology is sincere," adding, "To prevent a recurrence, related matters could be discussed at the standing committee level after the election." Kang also pointed out, "It is not desirable for the People Power Party to keep exploiting this for the campaign."
Spokesperson Park Ji-hye also said, "We see it as a certain effort that Shinsegae checked the facts and that the group's chief personally apologized."
On the controversy over the so-called "advisory to refrain from visits," Spokesperson Park said, "It was guidance issued as a recommendation, not a regulation of individual election staff or candidates' actions," adding, "If it is deemed sincere, individuals will judge and act accordingly."
Park added, "There are no plans to issue new guidance at the party level," and said, "The public will see this and make their own judgment."