'Party Leadership Bid' Cho Kyoengtae: "People Power Party Is Collapsing... Communicating Heart-to-Heart with Han Donghoon"

Kyoengtae Cho Announces Candidacy for People Power Party Leader
"The Party Cannot Be Revived with the Same Old Faces"
"In Agreement with Han Donghoon on the Need for Innovation"

Representative Kyoengtae Cho, who has announced his candidacy for the People Power Party leadership election, stated that "the party is collapsing to the point of dissolution," explaining his motivation for running. In an interview on MBC Radio's 'News High Kick with Soonpyo Kwon' on July 7, Cho said, "A crushing defeat for the People Power Party is expected in next year's local elections," and added, "I decided to run because I earnestly believe that the party cannot be revived with the same old faces and approaches. I want to take the lead in renewal and innovation."

Kyoengtae Cho, People Power Party member. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Cho, the most senior incumbent member of the People Power Party with six terms and known to be part of the pro-Han Donghoon faction, said, "Former leader Han Donghoon is an extremely valuable asset to the party," and added, "I respect his intentions, and we communicate well, often understanding each other without words." He continued, "There have been many occasions where former leader Han has expressed regret about the party's situation," and said, "We share the same view that the party needs to be reformed with a new image."

Regarding the possibility of Han running for party leader, Cho avoided a direct answer, saying, "Whether he decides to run or not, I respect his decision." On Representative Chulsoo Ahn's bid for party leadership, Cho said, "The People Power Party is increasingly seen as a party that cannot self-reflect and as one that defends insurrection. More and more, the public is not even paying attention to the People Power Party," and continued, "Those who oppose insurrection and supported the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol are, in my view, political forces that can work together. In that sense, I interpret Representative Ahn's candidacy positively."

However, Cho said, "To fight against the vested interests, one must be more determined and accept the position of Innovation Committee Chair with a strong resolve. Because of a lack of confidence in personnel reform, communication has broken down," and added, "That may be why he resigned from the Innovation Committee Chair position, but I am disappointed that he did not show a more intense fight with the leadership." He continued, "Innovation must be more resolute, and that requires more courage," and said, "I wish Representative Ahn had shown a more passionate drive for innovation."

Regarding former Minister of Employment and Labor Moonsu Kim, Cho said, "Anyone can run," but also stated, "It is essential to have a clear stance on illegal and unconstitutional emergency martial law and impeachment. In that respect, he is a figure whose views are completely opposite to mine."

Cho emphasized, "If I become party leader, the most important thing is to clear past mistakes, and we must carry out innovation to the point of near dissolution," and argued, "We need to completely revise the party constitution and regulations, and establish a permanent Personnel Reform Committee."

Previously, Daesik Kim, a member of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, said on July 7 regarding the party convention to elect a new leader, "I hope that those who ran as presidential candidates this time will not run." This includes former Minister Moonsu Kim, former leader Han Donghoon, and Representative Kyungwon Na. Amid this, the possibility of former leader Han running is reported to be low. Spokesperson Gwangjae Jeong, who is considered part of the pro-Han faction, said, "Representative Cho's announcement is likely because former leader Han is not running, and sensing that atmosphere, Cho decided to declare his candidacy."