Kim Sang-wook, an independent lawmaker who left the People Power Party and declared support for the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, stated that he would positively consider joining the Democratic Party. He aims to seek measures to prevent the potential 'loyalty competition' and 'abuse of power' that could occur internally if the Democratic Party comes to power.
On the 16th, after a campaign event for Lee concluded at the eastern square of Iksan Station in North Jeolla Province, Kim told reporters, "I will positively consider joining the Democratic Party, but there is an issue of needing to establish some level of consensus with local residents," adding, "It is not right to leave without an opportunity to gather public opinion."
Kim mentioned that the reason he is positively considering joining the Democratic Party is to provide 'checks on the massive ruling party.' If Lee is elected president, the Democratic Party will dominate both the legislative and executive branches, and since the People Power Party cannot play the role of the opposition, checks within the Democratic Party are necessary.
Kim stated, "From now on, the homework for the Democratic Party and the Republic of Korea is that a massive ruling party has emerged, and the opposition cannot perform its function of checking power," adding, "While I have not yet experienced the Democratic Party, I have heard that it does not tolerate dissenting voices. If that is the case, an abuse of power will occur, which is the most concerning aspect for conservative voters."
He continued, "It will be too easy for the Democratic Party to create an environment where loyalty competition arises and abuse of power occurs," stating, "Once power loses checks and balances and becomes mired in loyalty competition, corruption is inevitable."
However, Kim explained that he would decide on joining the Democratic Party after further contemplation about his political role. He emphasized, "I also have concerns about whether it is right to do that within the Democratic Party or outside of it, and I do not want to engage in cowardly politics," adding, "I have no intention of separately meeting Lee to request anything."