The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) announced on October 10 the suspension of its talks to unify with the Justice Party, as explained by party leader Jeong Cheong-rae. He stated that the urgent need for unity took precedence over ongoing controversies concerning the unification process. The discussions, which had lasted for 19 days, revealed deep divisions within the party, leading to questions about the benefits of a merger that initially aimed to strengthen both parties. Despite the halt in talks, the Democratic Party's internal power struggle remains apparent and is expected to have long-term implications.

Jeong made the announcement following an emergency Supreme Council meeting, clarifying that his proposal for unification was driven by a genuine desire for electoral success in the upcoming local elections and the successful governance of the Lee Jae-myung administration. However, he acknowledged the significant concern and skepticism surrounding the proposal, which hindered the potential positive effects of unification. The length of the disarray before the suspension illustrated how various factions within the party grappled for power, revealing ongoing tensions that may disrupt party cohesion going forward.

The suspensions of unification discussions came as opposition to the merger grew, particularly from members preparing to run for regional leadership positions. They exploited the 'pro- and anti-청' divisions within the party ahead of the elections, and the controversy over unification garnered attention through various manifestations, including statements and public movements against the merger. The divergent opinions reflected the party's complexities, with some members advocating for collaboration with the Justice Party in the form of electoral coordination while delaying formal unification discussions. This context underscores the fragility of the DPK as it navigates internal dynamics and prepares for the imminent electoral challenges.