On October 10, members of the Innovation Party expressed concerns about the need for a cooling-off period with the Democratic Party after the latter announced it would hold off on merging prior to the local elections. Tensions have risen significantly during discussions about the merger, which has created emotional divides between the two parties. Although both still acknowledge the possibility of an electoral alliance for the June 3 local elections, the conflicting interests of each party make a favorable outcome uncertain.

The Innovation Party, in response to the Democratic Party's announcement regarding the merger, indicated it would clarify its stance once the Democratic Party makes its official position known. Innovation Party leader Cho Guk had previously called for a clear decision on whether to pursue a separate electoral alliance if a merger wouldn't happen, illustrating the party's need for a definitive strategy moving forward. There is internal dissatisfaction within the Innovation Party, where members feel they have gained little from the merger discussions and are worried about being labelled as a subsidiary of the Democratic Party.

Despite the frustrations, the Innovation Party seems to feel that an electoral alliance with the Democratic Party is necessary given its low polling rate of 3% and the absence of viable candidates for local office. Before the merger proposal arose, the party had suggested joint candidates against the ruling party in most regions except Daegu and Gyeongbuk, while seeking to break the existing political monopoly in more competitive areas. However, even Democratic Party insiders acknowledge the need for collaboration, some are reluctant due to the currently favorable political climate for the party, indicating a reluctance to invest in partnerships with the Innovation Party without clear benefits.