Lawmakers Kang Deuk-gu, Lee Eon-ju, and Hwang Myeong-sun, who are part of the non-leadership faction within the Democratic Party, argued during a joint press conference, "Although Representative Chung Jin-sang claims ignorance, it must be clarified whether he truly didn't know or if there was a distribution of shares." [Photo=Yonhap News]

With approximately 100 days remaining until the 6.3 local elections, the Democratic Party is struggling with the issue of a merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. 

The party's strategic planning bureau's so-called "merger document" was leaked externally on the 6th, reaching a peak of distrust with heated arguments occurring among party leadership. 

The controversy began when a 7-page document titled "Review of Merger Procedures and Promotion Schedule (Draft)," created on the 27th of last month, was leaked. 

"Mere Review" vs. "Secret Deal"

According to the confidential document released through this leak, the Democratic Party had set a schedule to finalize the merger notification with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party by the 27th of last month or the 3rd of this month to expedite the process. 

The document reportedly included specific scenarios for the composition of the party leadership, such as appointing individuals from the Cho Kuk Innovation Party as appointed supreme council members. 

This suggests that, contrary to the recent stance of the party leadership stating, "the merger will be pursued cautiously," concrete merger conditions were actually being agreed upon in advance. 

"Working-Level Material" vs. "No Prior Consultation"

As the controversy spread, a key official from the Democratic Party explained, "Following the party leader's proposal for a merger, this was material compiled on a working level regarding procedures according to party regulations and past precedents." He added, "It was not reported in any official meeting nor was it a final decision."

However, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party stated, "There was no prior notification or consultation regarding this document," further fueling suspicions that the Democratic Party was unilaterally planning the merger process. 

Chung Jin-sang, the leader of the Democratic Party, responded to the leak of this confidential document by saying, "No one was briefed on this content. I also found out through the newspapers. The circumstances of the leak must be thoroughly investigated and accountability must be assigned."

In response, lawmakers Kang Deuk-gu, Lee Eon-ju, and Hwang Myeong-sun, among other non-leadership faction members, argued during a joint press conference, "Although the leader claims ignorance, it must be revealed whether he truly didn't know or if there was a distribution of shares." They added, "Which staff member drafted a preliminary plan for the allocation of supreme council seats? If the Secretary-General acted unilaterally, it is a bigger problem."

Meanwhile, Supreme Council member Lee Seong-yun, who is categorized as pro-Lee Jae-myung, attempted to de-escalate the situation by saying, "Do not let internal disputes spill outside the walls."

The conflict is spreading beyond the leadership to the entire party. Four-term lawmaker Park Hong-keun demanded transparency regarding the consultation details with the Cho Kuk representative, stating, "It is unlikely the leader was not briefed," and lawmaker Han Joon-ho urged the convening of an emergency general meeting of lawmakers. 

Some senior lawmakers, including Representative Park Ji-won, expressed concern about vote division if the Innovation Party fields its own candidates, stating, "Integration is essential for victory in the local elections."

As the controversy escalated, Representative Chung decided to hold a general meeting of lawmakers on the 10th to gather internal opinions. However, given that the "secret deal" and "share distribution" frames have already been set, and the positions of both proponents and opponents are so strongly opposed, the prevailing view is that this internal conflict will not be easily resolved. 

Reporter Lim Yo-hee