On December 12, Park Sung-jun of the Democratic Party addressed the media, stating that the concept of holding a unified national congress between the Democratic Party and the Justice Party following the June local elections is not feasible. The opposition parties had previously agreed to form a committee to consider electoral cooperation and potential unification, but Park emphasized that this committee, which he describes as merely a 'bridge,' lacks decision-making authority. He indicated that only the next leadership would make significant decisions regarding unification efforts.

Park further clarified that the current discussions within the preparation committee are preliminary and do not establish a path toward unification. He cited internal party conditions and public sentiment as obstacles to such a congress, questioning how anyone could realistically consider it a possibility at this time. His comments come in the wake of a controversy regarding a misplaced social media post from party member Kang Deok-gu, which misrepresented President Lee Jae-myung's stance and later had to be retracted.

In response to questions about the leadership changes and their implications for the party, Park asserted that the new leadership must comprise individuals capable of ensuring the success of President Lee’s government. He noted that there are definitive concerns regarding qualifications for those who will be elected next, signaling that the party is in a critical phase of deliberation and leadership restructuring as it prepares for upcoming local elections.