Looming Possibility of Giant Ruling Party

The ruling Grand National Party held its Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly yesterday and decided to unconditionally allow the pro-Park Geun-hye loyalists to return to the party.

Following the measure, 25 defectors of the party are expected to return to the GNP, including 13 Pro-Park Alliance members and 12 independent lawmakers. If five independent pro-ruling party lawmakers are included, the GNP is likely to secure the majority in all standing committees as a giant ruling party with its maximum of 182 parliamentary seats.

GNP Chairman Park Hee-tae said after the meeting, “We decided to unconditionally accept all pro-Park lawmakers. I truly hope that the word `faction` will disappear from the party via today`s decision." The GNP regulations suspend the membership of those legally accused and order the convicted eviction or removal from the party.

Former GNP Chairwoman Park Geun-hye said on the party’s decision, “Although it took time, I believe the party made the right decision.”

sunshade@donga.com