Will ex-party leaders join hands to challenge bipartisan politics?

Former Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Lee Nak-yon speaks to reporters after paying tribute at the grave of late former President Kim Dae-jung at the Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

As splinter party movements take shape ahead of the April 10 general elections, all eyes are on whether Lee Nak-yon from the liberal bloc and Lee Jun-seok from the conservative camp, both poised to establish their respective parties, will team up.

Former Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Lee Nak-yon, 71, and former People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Lee Jun-seok, 38, have announced plans to create their own parties, offering alternatives for voters frustrated by Korea's predominantly bipartisan politics.

Both politicians are expected to make official announcements later this month, if not in the coming days.

The two Lees do not share a similar political background. The older Lee is a former four-term lawmaker who served as the prime minister under the previous liberal Moon Jae-in government. The younger Lee, who has never secured a seat in the National Assembly, gained prominence by becoming the youngest-ever leader of the then-main opposition PPP in 2021.

"My principle is that we should collaborate with anyone who agrees on the need to end the worst aspects of bipartisan politics," Lee Nak-yon said during an interview with CBS radio, Tuesday, when asked about the possibility of cooperation with the former PPP chairman.

"While I currently don't have concrete plans to meet (with Lee Jun-seok), collaboration seems natural, given the challenging task of breaking down the entrenched walls of power within the two parties."

Former People Power Party (PPP) chief Lee Jun-seok speaks during a New Year gathering event with his supporters at a meeting room in Seoul Station, Monday. Yonhap

The former PPP leader also hinted at the possibility of cooperation.

"I can say that I am in talks with all factions," Lee told reporters, Monday, when asked if he will join hands with the former prime minister.

"Given that the former Prime Minister Lee has a distinct personality and perspective from mine, I am hopeful that our collaboration can form a complementary partnership, benefiting from the diversity of perspectives."

However, political observers see slim chances of the two Lees forming a unified team.

"The two have very different purposes for forming new parties. Since Lee Nak-yon's ultimate goal is to become a presidential candidate of the liberal bloc, he has to leave room to return to the DPK at some point in his political career. Teaming up with Lee Jun-seok means he is breaking away from the DPK once and for all," said Park Chang-hwan, a political commentator and professor at Jangan University.

If the two were to really join hands — which seems highly unlikely at this point — it would be beneficial only for the younger Lee, Park added.

Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, was also skeptical of their possible collaboration.

"Of course, Lee Jun-seok would want to collaborate, as the former prime minister can circumvent his weak support base. But Lee Nak-yon has no reason to do so," Shin said.

Shin said the former DPK chief's remarks about forging possible partnerships with the young conservative politician sound like "political rhetoric," in a bid to show that his new party would represent a wide political spectrum.