The Rebuilding Korea Party stated that the issue of changing the party name could be discussed by the new leadership in the future.

Seo Wang-jin, head of the National Convention Preparatory Committee, held a press briefing at the National Assembly today (July 5). Regarding rumors of a potential name change, he said, "Opinions on changing the party name may arise during our 'listening sessions,' but it has not been set as an official agenda item for this upcoming national convention."

Ahead of the July 25 national convention to elect a new party leader, the Rebuilding Korea Party plans to hold regional listening sessions in the Yeongnam, Honam, Chungcheong, and Seoul metropolitan areas on July 11, 12, 18, and 19.

"Simply changing the party's signboard will not create a new image," Seo explained. "A name change could be discussed as a result of the process of setting a new course for the party through these listening sessions and the election of new leadership."

Seo also emphasized, "We will return to the original spirit of our founding, reflect on our historical mission, and walk the path of self-strengthening. We will restore the party's banner and organization, which were shaken by talk of a merger with the Democratic Party of Korea that has surfaced since the beginning of the year."

He added, "Both the Democratic Party and our party are electing new leadership, and the newly elected leaders will hold orderly discussions. I hope that the issue (of a merger) will not be used as fuel for internal power struggles during the Democratic Party's national convention."

"We have set the theme of the national convention as 'Into the People, Forward to Reform,'" he said. "The slogan reflects our will to listen more closely to the voices of the public and party members, as confirmed through the recent local elections and by-elections, and to unwaveringly pursue the reform tasks entrusted to the Rebuilding Korea Party."

(Photo: Yonhap News)