![Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok (left) speaks at the first meeting of the Grand Unity Promotion Committee at the National Assembly on Tuesday. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/25/rcv.YNA.20260825.PYH2026082509450001300_P1.jpg)
Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said the party would launch a sweeping recruitment drive targeting "fresh and capable figures across the full spectrum — from reformists to centrists and conservatives."
Speaking at the first meeting of the Grand Unity Promotion Committee on Tuesday, Kim said the guiding principles of the initiative were "a unity that wins and a unity that lasts." He said the party would grow stronger by simultaneously pursuing internal cohesion and recruiting individuals from across the progressive, reform, centrist and conservative camps. "We will pursue both in parallel, without ranking one above the other," he said.
Four-term lawmaker Park Beom-gye will head the committee. Sub-committee chairs include Rep. Jin Seong-jun for the progressive solidarity division, Rep. Lee Hae-sik for the Rebuilding Korea Party solidarity division, and Reps. Hwang Myeong-seon and Lee So-young as co-chairs of the recruitment and outreach division.
Kim also reaffirmed the party's commitment to dialogue with progressive forces on electoral and political system reform. "I have said in principle that I will reach agreements that are actionable, and that once agreed, I will follow through," he said.
On the question of a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party, Kim said the outcome remained uncertain. "I have no idea whether this will end in a merger or in some form of alliance short of one," he said, adding that he hoped the process would be handled "with sincerity and political wisdom."
On the search for outside talent, Kim described the task as "a stretch of uncharted beach" and urged committee members to "find gems the way you would search for jewels in the sand."
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