Liberals skeptical over coalition with leftists

By Kim Se-jeong

The main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) remains skeptical about the partnership with the minor leftist Unified Progressive Party (UPP) after two of the latter’s trouble-hit members survived an expulsion vote.

Rep. Moon Jae-in, a DUP presidential hopeful, revealed his disappointment. “The success of the coalition depends on the extent of reform the UPP carries out and the support it shores up from voters,” he was quoted as saying Thursday.

Chung Se-kyun, another DUP contender for the presidential primary, echoed Moon. “I want to see the coalition between the two parties, but how the UPP has dealt with its two members failed to meet the expectations of voters.”

Reps. Lee Seok-ki and Kim Jae-yeon of the UPP evaded expulsion from the party Thursday when just six of 13 UPP members voted in favor of the action. Both are under criticism for rigging votes during April’s parliamentary elections and their pro-North Korean tendencies.

The result came as a huge blow to the UPP. Its Chairman Kang Ki-kab and floor leader Sim Sang-jeung both expressed apologies for failing to oust the two members at a press conference Friday.

Rep. Roh Hee-chan also expressed regret saying, “I thought my party had reached bottom, but it hasn’t yet.” He advocated the expulsion but he remained optimistic about the coalition. “It’s too early to conclude that the UPP has failed in all its reforms. Despite the crisis, we continue to work and things will get better.”

The vote result led Sim to resign immediately, followed by signs that others would leave the party.

On Friday, Rep. Kang Dong-won told journalists he was considering all options including quitting the party. On the UPP’s website, one anonymous member wrote, “The only option is to leave the party. This might look stupid in the short run, but eventually, this is the only way for us to be truthful to what we believe and to maintain support from the public.” Another wrote, “Now, nothing will stop me from leaving,” raising new fears that members may depart to create a new party.

The leftist party is composed of a moderate faction, led by Kang and the floor leader, and a radical group led by Lee.

The party chairman cancelled all official activities Friday morning and is expected to soon decide what his next course of action will be.

The last option for the UPP is to propose unseating Lee and Kim to the main floor for a vote, which will require approval from two-thirds of the 300 members of the National Assembly.