Lee Hoi-chang, former chairman of the Liberty Forward Party, on Saturday announced his support for presidential candidate Park Geun-hye, reinforcing the ruling Saenuri Party’s gathering of conservative forces.

“This year’s election is about whether or not the Republic of Korea can maintain its identity. As I deemed I cannot stay a third party, I have decided to support Park,” Lee, the standard-bearer of the conservatives, said at a press conference. Lee submitted his registration to the party upon his announcement.

Lee joining Park’s campaign is likely to further solidify her conservative support base and those in Chungcheong Province, Lee’s political stronghold, although it is at the risk of losing undecided and progressive-leaning moderates.

The political veteran is returning to the conservative bloc five years after making his presidential bid as an independent in 2007. It was his third failed attempt at presidency following in 1997 and 2002, both on the ticket of the precursors to the Saenuri Party. Sources said Park had personally requested Lee’s help by visiting his home on Oct. 21.

The main opposition Democratic United Party, meanwhile, lambasted Lee’s participation as a “union of the bygones and privileged forces.”

“The union of Park and Lee is an outdated picture that turns back the political clock,” said Park Gwang-on, co-spokesman of DUP candidate Moon Jae-in’s election committee.

By Lee Joo-hee (jhl@heraldcorp.com)