Jokuk Declares 'New Party Formation'... Park Honggeun Says "Must Exercise Restraint for Victory"

Cho Kuk holds press conference in Busan and declares party formation
"Won't decide actions based on concern for Democratic Party"
Park Hong-geun "More controversy than help for victory"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk has declared the formation of a new political party. It was anticipated that he would join the 'Integrated Proportional Representation Party' promoted by the Democratic Party, but the party immediately expressed its refusal. Furthermore, they discouraged him from independently founding a party, stating it would not help in winning the general election.

On the afternoon of the 13th, Cho held a press conference at Busan Democratic Park and declared the establishment of a new party, saying, "With a trembling heart, I announce to the people my intention to create a new political party." He devoted a significant portion of his founding declaration to criticizing the "Yoon Seok-yeol government," emphasizing that "(this general election) should serve not only as a judgment against the ruthless and incompetent Yoon Seok-yeol administration but also as an opportunity to revive South Korea, which is facing a complex crisis."

Immediately after the press conference, when asked by reporters whether he would run as a proportional representative or a district candidate, Cho replied, "(The method of candidacy) is a very important issue for comrades and friends who are working together," adding, "The people gathered in the party will set principles and procedures, and it will be carried out accordingly."

When specifically asked if he would join the integrated proportional representation party promoted by the Democratic Party, he said, "I understand there are various positions within the Democratic Party regarding me, and I respect those positions and differences," adding, "I do not intend to decide my course of action based on what decisions the Democratic Party will make." However, he left the door open for cooperation, stating, "I believe that to judge the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, everyone must unite, and no one can deny that the Democratic Party exists as the largest main force at the center of that unity, and I also think so."

However, the Democratic Party immediately expressed its refusal. Park Hong-geun, head of the Democratic Reform Progressive Election Coalition Promotion Team, posted on Facebook right after Cho's declaration, expressing concern that "In this critical historic election, Cho's political participation or independent party formation will not help the people's victory but will only generate unnecessary controversy, conflict, and persistent attacks."

Park urged, "Although there may be grievances due to excessive investigations and shortcomings on our part, I earnestly and strongly request restraint for the unity and victory of the Democratic Party and progressive reform forces," and drew a clear line by stating, "Even if a new party is formed, it is difficult to consider it as a target for the election coalition aimed at winning this general election."

On the 13th, at the joint meeting to promote the Democratic Reform Progressive Election Alliance held at the National Assembly, attendees including Park Hong-geun, head of the Democratic Alliance Promotion Team of the Democratic Party of Korea, Yong Hye-in, representative of the New Progressive Alliance, and Yoon Hee-sook, co-representative of the Progressive Party, exchanged greetings.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Democratic Party feels burdened by criticism that Cho's political participation is for 'shielding' purposes. There is concern that the 'judgment against the Yoon Seok-yeol government' narrative might be diluted. Cho was sentenced to two years in prison in the second trial on the 8th for charges including his children's admission fraud and covering up Blue House inspections. Han Dong-hoon, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, after watching the movie "The Founding War" the day before, sarcastically remarked about Cho's party formation efforts, "Isn't it because he fears being imprisoned?"

A Democratic Party official told Asia Economy in a phone interview that "If Representative Lee Jae-myung's judicial risks are compounded by former Minister Cho Kuk, who has already been sentenced to prison, the 'judgment against the Yoon Seok-yeol administration' narrative could be diluted," expressing concern that "this is unfavorable for the Democratic Party." Jeong Seong-ho, a pro-Lee faction leader, also distanced himself on MBC Radio on the 7th regarding former party leader Song Young-gil, who, like Cho, is preparing the 'Political Prosecution Dismantling Party,' saying, "I ask them to consider what would help the Democratic Party's victory."

Meanwhile, former party leader Song Young-gil, who is currently imprisoned on suspicion of 'money envelopes at the party convention,' is also pushing to establish the 'Political Prosecution Dismantling Party' from prison. The National Election Commission announced this morning that the formation of the central party preparatory committee for the Political Prosecution Dismantling Party has been completed.