Cho Kyungtae Urges Unification, Says "Only Innovation Candidate's Victory Can Save the Party"

Cho: "I Will Not Insist Only on My Own Personnel Reform Plan"

On July 27, Representative Cho Kyungtae (six-term, Busan Saha-eul), who declared his candidacy for the People Power Party leadership election scheduled for August 22, urged the unification of innovation candidates, stating, "Only the victory of an innovation candidate in the party leadership election will be the last opportunity for the party to survive."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that afternoon, Representative Cho said, "If the faction supporting former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is currently on trial for insurrection charges, becomes the party's leadership and mainstream, I will immediately begin efforts to dissolve our People Power Party." He made these remarks while emphasizing his position.

He continued, "We cannot allow the faction that defends former President Yoon, who trampled on the Constitution and violated the law, to take control of the party," and added, "We must not entrust the People Power Party to those who insist on maintaining the party's official stance against impeachment."

Representative Cho also expressed concern, saying, "Only the victory of an innovation candidate in the August 22 leadership election will be the last day, the last opportunity, and the last moment for the party to survive. Innovation candidates who share the will for party reform must join hands. If we fail to unite and even the unified innovation candidate falters, the future of the party cannot be guaranteed. We will lose every election."

Rep. Kyungtae Cho, a candidate for the People Power Party leadership election, is appearing on AK Radio at the Asia Economy headquarters, being interviewed by specialist Jongseop So. Photo by Younghan Heo

Regarding the method for unifying candidates, he said, "I believe a 100% public opinion poll best reflects the will of the people, but if there is a better method, I will seek a solution through collective deliberation and accept it."

He also emphasized, "I will not insist only on my own personnel reform plan," and added, "All aspects of personnel reform?its principles, direction, content, scope, and implementation method?will be discussed and decided at a roundtable meeting."

Furthermore, he stressed, "I will work with everyone who agrees with innovation and will not build walls," and "I will move forward as one with all those who participate in party innovation."

Initially, during his visit to Daegu on the 22nd, Representative Cho had called for the expulsion of lawmakers who visited former President Yoon's residence and led opposition to impeachment, stating, "The 45 who did so are the basic targets for clearing out," along with purging election deniers, followers of Pastor Jun Kwanghoon, and proponents of 'Yoon Again.' However, within five days, he has moderated his tone.

However, after the press conference, when speaking with reporters regarding personnel reform, he added, "My conviction and direction regarding '45 plus alpha' remain unchanged, but I will approach discussions with a flexible attitude."

Regarding former presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo and Representative Jang Donghyuk's participation in a debate hosted by former Korean history lecturer Jeon Hangil, Representative Cho said, "I feel truly heavy-hearted and troubled," and reiterated his concerns, "If there are still party members who have not come to their senses, there is a very high possibility that the party will be dissolved by the powerful ruling party."