Chung’s Courtship of Moon Angers Democratic Party

Political commentators are cautiously predicting the future of the coalition between the United New Democratic Party (UNDP) and the Democratic Party. The new political marriage is to be consummated by today. Yesterday, however, UNDP candidate Chung Dong-young proposed a new unification deal to Moon Kook-hyun.

Responding angrily to Chung’s new move, the Democratic Party revolted, saying, “We have not completed our deal. Actually, Chung’s party did not propose any modifications to us. Now, Chung is courting Moon. We doubt whether Chung really wants to merge with us.”

Chung’s courtship of Moon–

At his party headquarters in Seoul yesterday, Chung publicly offered Moon a political coalition.

Chung asserted, “I believe I can share values with Mr. Moon. We both believe a clean, progressive leader should lead our future. That is why we have to form an alliance at the earliest possible time.”

Chung also said, “I wish things would work out with Mr. Moon before we register as candidates. I am open to his suggestions and ready to make sacrifices.”

Chung continued, “I am willing to accept the political reforms Mr. Moon has proposed. I think we have to move fast. The faster, the better for us, I believe.”

Political analysts interpret Chung’s new proposal as a tactic conjured up to appease his own party’s opposition to the new alliance with the Democratic Party and push for a coalition with Moon.

Moon’s vehement opposition to Chung’s proposal –

In a webcast debate with Chung’s campaigner Min Byung-du, Moon flatly declined Chung’s offer, saying, “Chung has formed alliances with many contenders. But his popularity has been waning all the time. Chung cannot drag me into that black hole.”

Moon also contended, “South Koreans do not trust Chung. He has to first earn their trust.”

Angry Democratic Party –

The Democratic Party did not conceal its anger at Chung’s recent courtship, which came out just one day prior to the negotiation deadline.

Democratic Party leader Park Sang-chun commented, “If we fail to consummate the merger agreement by tomorrow, the announced coalition will end up dead. They know it. Still, Chung is using a delay tactic. We will prepare ourselves for that possibility, too.”

Chief negotiator Choi In-ki lashed out at Chung, saying, “Chung is cheating us. He has not proposed any modifications up to now. We have only one day left. How can he propose a coalition to Moon’s party? Chung is trying to just take advantage through his pretentious offer to us.”

Since November 12, when the leaders of the two parties first announced their coalition, they have held working-level talks six times. But they failed to narrow their differences over key issues such as when to hold the party convention and how to organize the governing body of the new party. Furthermore, they did not hold even a meeting yesterday.

Despite their scheduled meeting today, most commentators do not believe they will successfully iron out their differences. A key Democratic Party member complained, “If Chung is not satisfied, he should let us know what he wants and make efforts to bridge the gap. We are now bracing for the possibility of a merger failure.”

cij1999@donga.com sys1201@donga.com