DPK leader orders launch of task force to promote political unity
Kim Min-seok, center, leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a meeting of the party's supreme council at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Kim Min-seok ordered the launch of a task force Monday aimed at achieving broader political unity and expanding cooperation with other parties.
Kim made the remarks during a meeting of the party's supreme council, saying the task force, to be placed under his direct leadership, will spearhead a sweeping push to strengthen ties across political blocs.
"We will build an unbreakable bridge of dialogue with the main opposition People Power Party, and a bridge of political solidarity for the future with progressive and liberal parties," he said.
The task force will be headed by four-term DPK lawmaker Park Beom-kye, he added.
The move draws attention to whether Kim will revive efforts to merge with the minor Rebuilding Korea Party after a similar push under former DPK leader Jung Chung-rae fell through.
Kim also said the party will launch a separate task force to review problems that were raised during the DPK's recent leadership election and recommend changes to its election system. The task force will consist mainly of outside experts.