Reform Party at crossroads as conservative realignment looms

Korea’s conservative camp is entering another period of uncertainty.

The Reform Party is facing a choice between trying to survive on its own or joining forces with the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), as conservative politics begins to shift ahead of the 2028 general election.

The party’s poor showing in the June local elections and Rep. Lee Jun-seok’s resignation as its leader have raised questions over whether it can remain viable as an independent political force.

The future moves of the 41-year-old politician and independent lawmaker Rep. Han Dong-hoon, both currently outside the PPP, could also shape a broader conservative realignment.

Political observers say an immediate merger between the Reform Party and the PPP remains unlikely, but question whether the minor party can make it to the 2028 election on its own.

Kim Jin-wook, a special professor at Shinhan University, said the Reform Party differs from smaller parties built around a clearly defined cause and a loyal core of supporters.

Although it has sought to operate as a mainstream party, it has failed to broade