Rep. Kang bolts from progressive party

By Jun Ji-hye

Rep. Kang Dong-won

Rep. Kang Dong-won broke away from the minor Progressive Justice Party (PJP), Thursday, heightening expectations that independent Ahn Cheol-soo’s new political party is becoming a more feasible move.

It has been widely speculated that Ahn will create a new party, since March, when he returned to Korea after his three-month residence in the United States.

Kang’s refusal to join the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) after his defection from the PJP has implications as well, given that his constituency is in the Honam region, which refers to Gwangju and both South and North Jeolla provinces, the home turf of the DUP.

“I decided to leave the PJP to realize new politics. Many local residents have asked me to defect from the party as well,” said Kang at the press conference in the National Assembly.

He said he will work as an independent lawmaker for a while to focus his thoughts, but opened up possibility that he could enter Ahn’s party.

“I will listen to many opinions and try to objectively make a decision on my future. Entering Ahn’s party could be one of those options,” he said.

As for the reason for not choosing the DUP, he said: “Many Honam people think there have to be changes in the DUP. The political party can be improved only when it has a formidable competitor. The competitive landscape between the DUP and Ahn’s party is necessary.”

Ahn, however, still seemed cautious to detail his speculated new party, saying “There was no prior consultation about Kang’s defection.”