Political Transition

[Anchor Lead]

The dissolution of the conservative splinter Bareun Party appears imminent as the political scene is once again in a state of transition. Some Bareun Party members want to merge with the main opposition Liberty Korea Party while others in the party seek a merger with the centrist People's Party.

[Pkg]

It appears a countdown has started for a partial consolidation between the main opposition Liberty Korea Party and some members of the conservative splinter Bareun Party. The merger is most likely to take place early next month after the ongoing parliamentary inspections on government offices are over. One variable is former President Park Geun-hye. Within the LKP, some lawmakers argue that the former president should be allowed some time for her to voluntarily leave the party. Whether she will break away from the party and if so, when, is expected to be a key factor in the envisioned partial merger with the Bareun Party.

[Soundbite] Joo Ho-young(Bareun Party Acting Chief & Floor Leader) : "When the situation within the LKP is settled, merger talks can take place in earnest."

As the conservatives are quickly moving to consolidate, the centrist People's Party is also on alert. It's been officially voiced within the People's Party that talks of a merger must begin. It also unveiled its own survey showing that merging with the Bareun Party will be the most effective in raising public support.

[Soundbite] Joo Seung-yong(People's Party) : "A merger with the LKP against public opinion is nothing more than a meeting and parting of political parties. We hope the Bareun Party will make the right decision."

People's Party floor leader Kim Dong-cheol asked his Bareun Party counterpart Joo Ho-young to launch merger discussions. Joo said he will ask for the opinions of party members. People's Party chairman Ahn Cheol-soo has also added weight to this issue. Ahn is known to be contacting Bareun Party lawmakers who prefer independence and standing alone.

[Soundbite] Ahn Cheol-soo(Chairman, People's Party) : "We have seen the public has high expectations for a 'third way.'"

If the ruling party also joins the complicated merger movement taking place in the opposition camps, the political landscape following parliamentary inspections could enter into a turmoil of realignment ahead of next year's provincial elections.