In a bold move aimed at consolidating opposition forces, Kim Seon-min, the acting leader of the Korea Innovation Party, held a press conference on April 6, 2025, at the National Assembly, where he proposed the implementation of an open primary for the upcoming presidential election. The proposal comes in the wake of the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol and is seen as a crucial step towards achieving a decisive regime change.
During the press conference, Kim emphasized, "We are proposing an opposition open primary again for a decisive regime change after the Yoon Seok-yeol faction. This is because the democratic progressive forces must achieve a decisive victory in the upcoming presidential election." He articulated the party's belief that only through a significant victory could the internal problems plaguing the current government be eradicated.
Kim further stated, "The next government must be a coalition government for everyone, by everyone, and reliant on everyone," urging the Democratic Party to consider a broader candidate pool rather than confining their choices to party insiders. He expressed a strong desire for the Democratic Party to participate in the open primary, cautioning against limiting their presidential candidates to those solely from within their ranks.
The Innovation Party's call for an open primary is not merely a tactical maneuver; it reflects a deeper desire for social reform. Kim pointed out, "The social consensus demands emerging from the Square of Bit must be accepted by a coalition democratic government," highlighting the need for the new government to respond to the calls for significant societal change.
Hwang Hyun-seon, the head of the Innovation Party's planning department, also addressed concerns regarding the feasibility of an open primary given the tight schedule for the upcoming by-election, which must occur within 60 days. He argued that the timeline should not be a barrier, stating, "Concerns about the schedule are due to misunderstandings or a lack of understanding, as all parties will participate together, not just the Democratic Party." Hwang indicated that there are figures within the Democratic Party who are willing to engage in the open primary process and that discussions around this could significantly impact the Democratic Party's primary rules.
The Innovation Party's insistence on an open primary comes as part of a larger strategy to form a stable alliance among opposition forces. This coalition is seen as essential for overcoming the challenges posed by the ruling party, particularly in light of the recent political turmoil. As Assemblyman Shin Jang-shik noted, the current situation calls for a transition from an "alliance of resistance" to an "alliance of elections," ultimately leading to a governance coalition capable of addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
However, the Democratic Party has shown reluctance to embrace the open primary proposal. Kim Yoon-deok, the head of the Democratic Party's office, stated that there have been no concrete discussions regarding the presidential election primary within the party's leadership. He expressed a preference for each party to select its presidential candidates individually before entering negotiations for unification, rather than jointly selecting candidates for the progressive camp.
Kim Yoon-deok remarked, "If individual opinions are expressed in advance, it is thought that a process of determining presidential candidates from each party, gathering the social consensus demands of the square, and achieving a regime change through opposition unification is more desirable than the open primary advocated by the Innovation Party." This indicates a clear divide in strategy between the two parties, with the Democratic Party favoring a more traditional approach to candidate selection.
The urgency for a decision is compounded by constitutional requirements, which mandate that a presidential election must be held within 60 days following a vacancy. The upcoming election, necessitated by Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment, must occur by June 3, 2025, and Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, acting as president, is required to announce the election date by April 14, 2025.
As the clock ticks down, the Korea Innovation Party remains steadfast in its call for an open primary, viewing it as the most crucial strategy for the upcoming election. Kim Seon-min stated, "We have proposed an open primary from the beginning, and we will propose it again today and wait." This determination reflects the party's commitment to uniting opposition forces and addressing the pressing needs for political reform.
In conclusion, the push for an open primary by the Korea Innovation Party highlights the ongoing tensions within South Korea's political landscape. As both parties navigate the complexities of coalition building and candidate selection, the outcome of these discussions will significantly shape the future of governance in the country. The willingness of the Democratic Party to engage with this proposal could be pivotal in determining the direction of the upcoming presidential election and the broader political environment.
