SEOUL, Lee Nak-yon, a former prime minister who left the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) ahead of April's general elections, said Tuesday he will retract a recent decision to join hands with a former ruling party leader under the so-called "big tent" political party. On Feb. 9, Lee's party merged into the New Reform Party (NRP) led by Lee Jun-seok, a former leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), in an effort to create a big tent party ahead of the April 10 parliamentary elections. Two other smaller political factions also merged into the NRP. In recent days, however, the two prominent politicians have clashed over who should lead the NRP's election campaign and policymaking activities. "I humbly apologize. I have caused significant disappointment to all of you due to the failure of party integration," Lee Nak-yon said in a press conference Tuesday. The former prime minister further declared his intention to go back to his newly formed party, the Saemirae Party, and begin preparations for t he general elections 50 days away. Later in the day, Lee Jun-seok offered an apology for the split. "I apologize to the public with a heavy heart," Lee told reporters, further stating that other members who had joined the party will remain in place. Source: Yonhap News Agency