Cho Kuk, in Prison Letter: "Let's Support the Democratic Party Candidate as If They Were the Innovation Party's Own"

"It's Not the Time to Dwell on Differences with the Democratic Party"
"Choosing Not to Field a Presidential Candidate Was a Wise Decision"

Former Cho Kuk, former leader of the Innovation Party, encouraged party members in a prison letter, saying, "As the former leader, I earnestly ask all comrades and party members: Once the Democratic Party candidate is decided, let us support and assist them as if they were the Innovation Party's own candidate."

Former Cho Kuk, former leader of the Innovation Party, sent a prison letter containing a request regarding the June 3 presidential election. Photo by Yonhap News

In the letter released on April 20 by Hwang Hyunsun, Secretary-General of the Innovation Party, Cho stated, "There may be differences between the two parties in terms of vision and policy, but now is not the time to dwell on those differences." He continued, "Every matter has its own importance and order. Let us carry the banner of the Innovation Party, take the lead ahead of Democratic Party members, and devote ourselves more sincerely and passionately to a change of government. This is the path that serves both the Republic of Korea and the Innovation Party."

Cho further remarked, "The decision not to field an independent candidate, made through the party executive committee and a general party member vote, was a wise choice considering the historical tasks of ending internal conflict and achieving an overwhelming change of government." He assessed, "The Innovation Party made a unified decision based on the overwhelming majority opinion, facing the party's capabilities and realities with clear eyes."

He concluded, "Spring is now in full bloom. It is time to bring an end to the winter republic. Let us unite all our efforts to usher in the spring of Korea sooner."

Previously, the People Power Party raised suspicions of a political deal between the Democratic Party and the Innovation Party regarding the decision not to field an independent candidate in the 21st presidential election.

Kim Sanghoon, Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party, said at a floor countermeasures meeting on April 18, "There are suspicions that the Innovation Party refrained from nominating a presidential candidate in exchange for relaxed requirements to form a parliamentary negotiation bloc, suggesting a secret political deal with the Democratic Party." He added, "Of course, the Innovation Party may argue that, since there was no actual candidate registration, it does not constitute candidate buying in a legal sense. However, from the public's perspective, there is inevitable suspicion that the Democratic Party may have engaged in a covert deal with the Innovation Party's candidate."

He went on to say, "If the Democratic Party wishes for the Innovation Party not to field a presidential candidate, the minimum duty to the public is to pursue this through an open and transparent merger process. Political tricks that undermine the principles of parliamentary operation and betray public trust must not be repeated."