"(As we seek integration), we have to bear in mind that the path we pursue must be backed by public support," Yoo said at the same forum.

The forum was launched in September to foster cooperation between the two parties in policy, political reform, national cohesion and other areas. It has since become a crucial channel to share their visions for integration.

Shortly after the forum, the People's Party's think tank, "People21 Institute," released the results of a recent survey that highlighted that should the parties merge, they would become a formidable political force.

The hypothetical survey, conducted last weekend by the local pollster Research and Research, found that the merged party ranked second with 19.2 percent, while the ruling party kept first place with 47.5 percent. The People's Party and Bareun Party separately received 5.5 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively.

Ahead of the gubernatorial and mayoral elections slated for next June, Ahn has been pushing to forge a middle-of-the-road political entity by absorbing "rational liberals and reform-minded conservatives."

But the move has drawn intense pushback from party seniors who argue the two parties cannot join due to different ideological roots and gaps in policy stances, particularly on North Korea.

The opponents have warned that any merger will undermine the party's liberal platform, obscure its political identity, and inflame its support base in the southwestern Honam region. Some even hinted at the possibility of defecting.

Some have raised speculation that Ahn is seeking a merger to boost his chances of a win in the next presidential election in 2022 by expanding the party's support base beyond the southwestern region.

Both Ahn and Yoo ran in this year's presidential election. Ahn ranked third with 21.4 percent of the vote while Yoo came in fourth place with 6.8 percent. (Yonhap)