Former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, Cho Kuk, has urged party members to ensure the upcoming party congress does not become an election for his proxy or a campaign to defend him personally. He emphasized that the congress should focus on redefining the party’s vision, values, and policies, and on selecting a leadership capable of achieving victory in the 2028 general elections and establishing a fifth-term progressive government.
Focus on Party Vision, Not Personal Defense
In a message shared on Facebook on July 8th, Cho Kuk stated, “This party congress must not be perceived as an election to select ‘Cho Kuk’s proxy or representative,’ nor should it be allowed to devolve into a campaign to ‘defend Cho Kuk.’ I hope that such language is not used during the congress proceedings.”
He called for the establishment of a leadership that can “redefine the vision, values, and policies of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party” and “dedicate themselves to achieving victory in the 2028 general elections and establishing a fifth-term progressive government.” Cho also stressed the need for a leadership that is “humble and possesses the right attitude to unite all the party’s capabilities,” and one that can “foster harmony and integration.”
Cho affirmed his commitment to his role as a sovereign party member, stating, “As a responsible party member, I will fulfill my duties and once again forge a path where there is no path.”
Assessing the Political Landscape
Reflecting on the current political climate, Cho noted that since the June elections, the “firmly established progressive political order has rapidly transformed into a situation of intense conflict between factions.” He attributed this internal division within the Democratic Party to “factionalism that even extends to the mobilization of supporters,” leading to a “rupture within the progressive camp.”
According to Cho, “politics centered on vision and values has taken a backseat.” He expressed concern that “issues of polarization and inequality, which are the era’s challenges, are not at the center of political discourse.” This, he warned, is leading to a “shrinking support base for the progressive camp” and raising alarms for the 2028 general elections and the 2030 presidential race.
A Turning Point for the Progressive Movement
Cho emphasized that the upcoming party congress should serve as a “turning point with significance for the entire progressive camp, beyond just the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.” He urged the party to “lay the foundation for becoming a political force that presents a path of ‘uninterrupted reform and solid strengthening of people’s livelihoods’ in the Republic of Korea after the catastrophe.”
Candidates for Party Leadership
The party congress, scheduled for next month, will see Shin Jang-sik as a candidate for party leader. Candidates for the Supreme Council include Hwang Hyeon-seon, former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs under the Moon Jae-in administration; Cha Gyu-geun; and Lee Sook-yoon, Vice Chairperson of the party’s Policy Committee.
In his announcement speech, Shin Jang-sik did not mention Cho Kuk, instead stating his intention to succeed former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan and former Justice Party leader Roh Hoe-chan.
