Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party who was released through a Liberation Day special pardon, will resume official activities starting August 18 by paying respects at the gravesite of former President Kim Dae-jung at the Seoul National Cemetery.
On August 17, the Innovation Party announced in a notice distributed to the media, "Former leader Cho will visit the gravesite at the Seoul National Cemetery at 2 p.m. tomorrow (the 18th) to commemorate the 16th anniversary of former President Kim Dae-jung's passing."
It has been reported that Cho may submit his application to rejoin the Innovation Party as early as August 18. Both options-visiting the party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul in person or applying online-are currently being considered for the reinstatement process.
This public appearance comes three days after his release on August 15 and is being interpreted as a signal of his full-fledged return to central politics, coinciding with his reinstatement in the party.
With major political events such as the nationwide local elections and by-elections for the National Assembly scheduled for June next year, Cho is seen as moving quickly to reestablish his presence. After rejoining the party, he plans to travel nationwide to strengthen ties with his supporters and is also considering a visit to the Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery.
However, for the time being, it is expected that he will refrain from public meetings with political figures and instead focus on solidifying his support base through media appearances and book concerts.
There are mixed views on Cho's return to the party: some expect it will help consolidate support among the broader pro-government base, while others argue that it will fuel controversy over fairness and provide ammunition for attacks from the opposition. The People Power Party has stated that Cho's pardon and reinstatement have sparked backlash among the youth and plans to pursue a related hearing at the National Assembly's standing committee level.
Meanwhile, the Innovation Party is expediting preparations for the reinstatement process. If Cho's application is received on the 18th, it is expected to go through the party membership review committee and the supreme council within a week. Within the party, efforts are also underway to restore the "Cho Kuk leadership system." Initiatives to shorten the leadership's term and hold an early party convention are in progress, and the party's election commission is expected to finalize the convention schedule after reporting to the supreme council on the 18th.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
