The Democratic Party of Korea is increasingly searching for an "exit strategy" as intense internal opposition has stalled merger discussions with the Rebuilding Korea Party. With the issue threatening to escalate into factional conflict, observers expect Party Leader Chung Chung-rae to soon withdraw his merger proposal.
According to political sources on May 9, Chung plans to finalize his position on the merger after hearing lawmakers' opinions at a general assembly on May 10. Chung reportedly indicated at a closed-door Supreme Council meeting on May 8 that he would reach a conclusion soon after gathering leadership views. Park Soo-hyun, the party's chief spokesperson, said on MBC Radio that Chung stated he had "heard enough from Supreme Council members to grasp the overall sentiment, despite some temperature differences."
Supreme Council members aligned with President Lee Jae-myung who oppose the merger interpret Chung's stance as effectively signaling withdrawal of the proposal. After days of sharp confrontation with Chung, pro-Lee council members have shifted to minimizing criticism and waiting for his "final decision." Supreme Council Member Lee Eon-ju said, "I welcome the party leader's position to respect and gather council members' opinions. You cannot force someone into a marriage they oppose."
A lawmaker opposing the merger said, "If this trend continues at the general assembly, it will be realistically difficult for Leader Chung to press forward with the merger. He will likely conclude by saying he respects lawmakers' views and will revisit the issue after local elections." Party insiders expect Chung to announce an official position at the May 11 Supreme Council meeting after hearing final opinions at the May 10 assembly.
Chung has consulted with various lawmakers including first-term, third-term, and senior members, with opposition reportedly predominant. A member poll to gauge sentiment among his core supporters—hardline party members—has also been scrapped. Sources say Chung proposed the survey at a closed Supreme Council meeting on May 9, but withdrew the idea due to widespread leadership opposition.
Within the Rebuilding Korea Party, sentiment against the merger under current conditions is also rising. Floor Leader Seo Wang-jin expressed displeasure during a speech at the National Assembly, saying, "Insults, baseless conspiracy theories, and nonexistent secret deal allegations against our party are rampant in some Democratic Party quarters. This is very regrettable." Rebuilding Korea Party Leader Cho Kuk, who set May 13 as the merger deadline, posted on social media: "Party members will make the final decision."
The merger push has been led primarily by Chung and his allies. Recent confusion over the nomination process for the second comprehensive special prosecutor has significantly weakened the leadership's momentum, further supporting expectations of withdrawal. Tensions with the pro-Lee faction peaked after it emerged that attorney Jeon Jun-cheol, recommended as special prosecutor candidate by Supreme Council Member Lee Sung-yoon—a Chung ally—had previously represented former Ssangbangwool chairman Kim Seong-tae, who gave testimony unfavorable to President Lee. President Lee has reportedly expressed strong displeasure over the matter. The pro-Lee faction is demanding Lee Sung-yoon's resignation and that Chung investigate and discipline those responsible.
Pro-Lee members suspect Chung is attempting to consolidate former pro-Moon Jae-in forces through the merger to seize party control alongside Cho. Suspicions persist that political calculations targeting President Lee underlie the special prosecutor nomination controversy. With distrust of Chung at its peak, party leadership is concerned that failure to quickly resolve the situation could trigger full-scale factional conflict. A ruling party source predicted: "There may come a time when Leader Chung clashes directly with the pro-Lee faction, but he will likely judge that now is not the moment, given the president's approval ratings and strong grip on the party."