"Jo Guk, Sentenced to Prison in Second Trial, Enters General Election... Democratic Party Feels 'Reluctant'"

Cho Kuk Likely to Announce 'New Party Formation' in Busan
Possibility of Joining Satellite Party... Democratic Party Faces Dilemma
Criticism of 'Bulletproof'... Concerns Over Dilution of 'Yoon Judgment Theory'

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who was sentenced to prison in the appellate court for 'children's admission corruption,' has declared the formation of a 'new party' and plans to jump into the election arena. Although there is speculation that he might join the 'integrated proportional representation party' promoted by the Democratic Party of Korea, the party itself has shown a lukewarm response. As criticism arises that Cho's political participation aims to serve as a 'shield,' there is concern that the 'judgment against the Yoon Seok-yeol government' could be diluted.

On the 13th at around 2 p.m., Cho plans to announce his position on the upcoming general election at the Democratic Park in his hometown of Busan. It is expected that he will explain the specific method of candidacy, including proportional representation and local constituencies, based on the formation of the so-called 'Cho Kuk New Party.'

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is seen shaking hands with former President Moon Jae-in on the 12th. [Photo by Former Minister Cho's Office]

After paying respects at the grave of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun the day before, Cho stated, "I will become a spark to bring an early end to the ruthless and incompetent Yoon Seok-yeol prosecution dictatorship regime and to restore the values of the democratic republic." He then visited former President Moon Jae-in to express his determination to form a 'new party,' and Moon also supported him, saying, "If it is difficult to work together within the Democratic Party, I understand the inevitability of forming a new party."

The 'Reset Korea Movement' led by Cho held its inaugural meeting on the 1st and officially began its activities. This is why there is speculation that the so-called 'Cho Kuk New Party' system might join the integrated proportional representation party being promoted by the Democratic Party. After Lee Jae-myung, the party leader, declared maintaining the 'semi-linked system,' the Democratic Party organized the 'Democratic Reform Progressive Election Coalition Task Force.' They plan to form a 'proportional satellite party' with progressive groups such as the Green Justice Party, the Progressive Party, and the New Progressive Alliance.

However, the Democratic Party's response has been lukewarm. A variable factor is that Cho was sentenced to two years in prison in the second trial held at the Seoul High Court on the 8th for charges including children's admission corruption and covering up Blue House inspections. The criticism that he is participating in politics for 'shielding' purposes is an unwelcome factor for the Democratic Party. Han Dong-hoon, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, even pointed out after watching the movie 'The Founding War' the day before, "Isn't it because he was afraid of being detained in court?"

A Democratic Party official told Asia Economy in a phone interview that day, "Cho's participation in politics is a personal freedom, but the 'responsibility theory for the presidential election defeat' regarding former Moon Jae-in government officials could grow stronger." The official added, "If party leader Lee Jae-myung's judicial risks are combined with Cho, who has already been sentenced to prison, the 'judgment against the Yoon Seok-yeol government' could be diluted, which is not favorable for the Democratic Party."

Jeong Seong-ho, a pro-Lee faction leader, also distanced himself on MBC Radio on the 7th regarding former leader Song Young-gil, who is preparing the 'Political Prosecution Dismantlement Party' just like Cho, saying, "I ask them to consider what would help the Democratic Party's victory."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Some speculate that the 'Cho Kuk New Party' might be embraced to resolve factional conflicts between the pro-Lee and pro-Moon camps. A lawmaker from the Seoul metropolitan area said, "Cho and former leader Song's political participation should be viewed differently. If Cho participates through the integrated proportional representation party rather than insisting on a local constituency, it could serve as an opportunity to reconcile conflicts between former Moon government officials and the pro-Lee faction."

The Democratic Party is intensifying internal attacks on former Moon government officials with the 'Yoon Seok-yeol government responsibility theory' promoted by Im Hyuk-baek, the nomination committee chairman. The leadership is concerned that such conflicts could become a negative factor. Floor leader Hong Ik-pyo drew a line at a press conference the day before, saying, "It is each person's political responsibility, but trying to hold someone accountable through specific institutional or nomination processes is excessive."

Meanwhile, former leader Song Young-gil, who is currently imprisoned on suspicion of 'party convention money envelope' allegations, is pushing to establish the 'Political Prosecution Dismantlement Party' from prison. The National Election Commission announced that the formation report of the Central Party Preparatory Committee for the Political Prosecution Dismantlement Party was completed that morning.