Tensions are rising between South Korea's Democratic Party and the Justice Party as they grapple with the complexities of forming an election coalition ahead of local elections. Following a failed merger between the two parties, the Justice Party is calling for a comprehensive national negotiation table to discuss their future collaboration, seeking to maximize their concessions. In contrast, the Democratic Party is advocating for a looser form of alliance, seemingly confident that the Justice Party will ultimately yield to their position.

Democratic Party spokesperson Park Soo-hyun stated that discussions for an election coalition are premature since a preparation committee has not yet been formed. The Democratic Party plans to complete the establishment of its preparation committee this week before engaging in any substantive coalition discussions, reflecting an internal party belief that a full-scale election partnership with the Justice Party may not significantly benefit them in the upcoming June local elections. There are concerns within the party that pushing for a formal coalition could be perceived as pre-collusion with the Justice Party.

Meanwhile, the Justice Party is persistently urging the Democratic Party to clarify its stance on the election coalition. Justice Party spokesperson Park Byung-eon expressed frustration over the lack of response from the Democratic Party regarding discussions around the preparation committee’s agenda. This silence has prompted the Justice Party to reconsider its participation in the committee based on the Democratic Party's answers. The Justice Party’s leader has emphasized the need to distinguish whether the Democratic Party’s proposal represents a substantial election coalition, or simply a vague political gesture, yet the Democratic Party has not provided any official clarification for over a week now.