Rep. Kang Dong-won of the minor opposition Progressive Justice Party announced on Thursday that he was leaving the party.

While Kang was cautious about whether he would join Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo should the latter found a new party, the development fueled speculation about a shakeup within the progressive bloc.

“I will work without party affiliation for the time being while monitoring the situation, and make the decision according to the opinion of the locals,” Kang said regarding his position on joining a party headed by Ahn.

As for the reason for leaving the Progressive Justice Party, Kang said it was the party’s lack of supporters in his constituency in Sunchang County, North Jeolla Province.

“Under such conditions, not a single candidate for provincial government and councils can be put forward. If a member of the National Assembly can’t field even a single candidate, the value of existence for me and the party will be lost.”

Although Ahn has yet to announce his intentions, observers say that Ahn is likely to launch a new party to consolidate his presence in politics.

In addition, Ahn’s supporters are also said to be calling for a new party to be established with the aim of replacing the Democratic United Party as the main opposition.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)