Jeong Cheong-rae’s leadership shaken by merger push

Feb 11, 2026, 08:11 am

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Rep. Jeong Cheong-rae briefly leaves a closed-door general meeting of ruling party lawmakers at the National Assembly on Monday. / Photo by Lee Byeong-hwa

Efforts by the ruling Democratic Party to pursue a merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party have hit a major roadblock, as internal opposition within the party has emerged as the dominant view.

The Democratic Party said Monday that lawmakers at a closed-door general meeting held at the National Assembly agreed that pushing ahead with the merger would be difficult under current circumstances. As opposition to the plan has crystallized during internal consultations, party leader Jeong Cheong-rae is now expected to withdraw his merger proposal. Political observers say a final collapse of the talks would deal a significant blow to Jeong’s leadership.

After the meeting, Park Soo-hyun, the party’s senior spokesperson, said, “Most lawmakers recognize the need for unity in principle, but believe that it is difficult to proceed with a merger in the current situation.”

Park Jie-won, the party’s most senior lawmaker, also voiced caution, saying, “If we move toward extreme left-wing ideology, it will hinder efforts to expand toward the political center. I suggested taking a step back, taking a breather, and discussing a merger after the local elections.”

Concerns over the merger were also raised during a meeting between Jeong and second-term lawmakers held ahead of the general meeting. Kang Jun-hyun, head of the operating committee of the second-term lawmakers’ group The Minjae, said, “We must prevent further escalation of internal conflict caused by merger talks. The discussion should be halted so the party can focus on supporting state affairs and legislative priorities.”

Rep. Lim Oh-kyung echoed similar sentiments, noting that while there is general support for the idea of a merger, many lawmakers take issue with the process and procedures. “Internal conflict is deepening as well,” she said, adding that a decision should be made through formal channels such as the general meeting of lawmakers and the party’s supreme council.

If the merger push is officially suspended in line with the prevailing internal view, Jeong’s leadership is expected to suffer further damage. Friction within the party has already been surfacing repeatedly, from debates over adopting a “one person, one vote” system for delegates and party members to disputes surrounding recommendations for a second special counsel.

In response, Jeong said opinions within the party remain divided. “Some argue that a merger would help secure victory in the local elections and contribute to the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, while others say the timing is not right,” he said. “With the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration as our goal, we will carefully consider which option is more appropriate and reach a conclusion as soon as possible.”

#Democratic Party #Cho Kuk Innovation Party #merger talks #Jeong Cheong-rae #leadership crisis