In a recent controversy within South Korea's Democratic Party, Kang Deuk-gu, a prominent member, addressed the deletion of a Facebook post that suggested a merger between the Democratic Party and Justice Party was aligned with President Lee Jae-myung's wishes. This post was abruptly taken down after Kang realized it contained misleading information, which he labeled as an 'internal mistake.' He expressed regret over the situation, particularly as it led to public speculation and scrutiny regarding the timing and nature of the planned merger discussions ahead of the upcoming local elections in June.

Kang's post had initially indicated that, despite current constraints, he hoped for a party merger after the elections, reflecting presidential intentions. This statement prompted intense criticism from the opposing People Power Party, who seized the opportunity to accuse President Lee of illegal involvement in party affairs. They claimed that such involvement violates the principles of political impartiality and raised concerns about the implications for the Democratic Party, which has previously criticized similar conduct.

The situation highlights the tensions within South Korea's political landscape, particularly how internal communications can have external repercussions. Critics argue that if Kang's statements were accurate, it points to a concerning level of presidential influence over party dynamics, which could lead to significant challenges for the Democratic Party in terms of both public perception and operational integrity. As this story unfolds, the implications for both the Democratic Party and President Lee's administration are keenly observed by political analysts and the public alike.