Reform Party rules out merger with major parties

Rep. Chun Ha-ram, acting leader and floor leader of the minor conservative Reform Party, dismissed speculation Monday that the party was considering merging with either of South Korea's two major political parties. "There is no one in the Reform Party who is pursuing a merger," Chun said during a press conference at the National Assembly, referring to the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the main opposition People Power Party. Chun pledged that the Reform Party would maintain its independent