On July 7, Kang Deuk-gu, a key member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that leader Park Chung-rae has a clear responsibility in the ongoing internal rift concerning the party's unification efforts. Kang urged for complete transparency regarding the discussions and processes that led to the current situation, emphasizing the importance of adhering to democratic principles in the unification process. He criticized the way the discussions have been handled and called for clarity regarding any potential agreements between leaders.

Kang's comments came in response to Park's prior criticism that some extremist opponents of unification had been making concerning the party's strategies. He argued that unification should not merely be seen as a simple merging of factions, but rather as a process that requires strict adherence to its guidelines and values, warning that ignoring these could lead to divisions rather than the intended solidarity. His calls for accountability included questions directed at Park about the earlier commitments he made regarding unity before local elections.

In the aftermath of these exchanges, Kang highlighted principles such as respect for the Democratic Party's identity and the need to maintain transparency in discussions. The internal conflict appears to be intensifying, as leaders are urging for a reckoning over the management of unity discussions. The voice of dissent is growing, emphasizing that any rushed decisions made without broad agreement could harm the party's future, reflecting a broader anxiety about its stability and prospects in the political landscape.