"The word 'division' is self-contradictory" — Jung Chung-rae confronts backlash over merger head-on

[The Financial News] Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 2nd, "Integration means joining forces, while division means draining our strength," stressing the need for a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party.
At the supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "It is always better to fight an election in a united front than in a divided state. Unity brings at least some benefit and increases our chances of victory."
He went on, "In a razor-thin race decided by just 2 to 3 percentage points, even the smallest contribution matters in an election," adding, "We must fully understand the mindset of a candidate who opens every shop door and steps inside to plead for every single vote."
He continued, "If we truly grasp the sincere, earnest, and desperate mindset that comes with an election, should we not choose unity over division?" He added, "Even when we all join forces, it will still be a tough battle."
Jung also clarified, "As party leader, I only made a proposal for a merger. I did not decide on a merger or declare one," and said, "The decision will be made in accordance with the will of our party members, through a party-wide debate process and a vote of the membership."
gowell@fnnews.com Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter