**No Show at Liberation Day Event by the Opposition, “Sulking”**
Kim Young-jin, a member of the Democratic Party and one of the key figures of the ‘Group of Seven,’ known for its pro-Moon Jae-in leanings, hinted on August 14th that a merger between the Democratic Party and the Homeland Innovation Party could be considered, stating, “The Democratic Party also has thoughts on this matter, so it can be discussed in the mid to long term.”
During his appearance on MBC Radio’s ‘Focus with Kim Jong-bae,’ Kim noted, “Politics is the art of possibilities, so there’s no need to say ‘yes or no’ in advance regarding the merger. It is one of many options to be considered.”
However, Kim added, “While we can discuss and talk about it, it’s a bit premature now. First, there needs to be an internal organization regarding the direction of the Homeland Innovation Party by former leader Cho Guk, who will be released on August 15th due to a special Liberation Day pardon.”
When asked about the possibility of Former Leader Cho running in the 2026 local elections if merger talks gain traction, Kim replied, “Once he is pardoned and released, I will ask him.”
Regarding Former Leader Cho’s pardon after serving only a third of his sentence by President Lee Jae-myung, Kim commented, “Special pardons on Liberation Day have been a tradition of past administrations. They play a role in social and national integration and in moderating overly harsh judgments from the judiciary, which is the inherent role of the presidential pardon power.”
He also criticized the People’s Power Party and the Reform New Party for deciding not to attend the Liberation Day event in protest of the presidential pardon, stating, “There is a national desire for the new government to embark on a new era. The opposition’s participation in such events is a political norm,” and claimed that their decision lacks common sense.
Kim particularly remarked that the People’s Power Party is “sulking,” saying, “The People’s Power Party should accept their defeat in the presidential election as the choice of the people and move towards reflection and innovation. They seem unable to accept the outcome, making the wrong judgment by blaming the Lee Jae-myung government or the Democratic Party.”
However, Kim conceded that part of the reason for the opposition’s absence might be attributed to Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae not visiting the People’s Power Party and the Reform New Party, acknowledging, “That could have been partially reflected.”