Cho Kuk Announces Return to Politics
Plans to Visit Former President Moon Jaein in South Gyeongsang This Weekend
Cho Kuk, former leader of the National Innovation Party who was pardoned as part of the August 15 Liberation Day special amnesty, announced on the 18th that he plans to formally resume his political activities by applying for reinstatement to the Innovation Party.
Former Cho Kuk, former leader of the National Innovation Party, is paying respects at the burial site of former President Kim Daejung at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, after paying respects at the burial site of former President Kim Daejung at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to mark the 16th anniversary of Kim's passing, Cho told reporters, "This afternoon, I will prepare the reinstatement application documents and submit them tonight, after which I will undergo the review process."
He added, "I expect the reinstatement process to be completed within this week," and stated, "If I pass the review, I will resume activities as a party member."
When asked about his future schedule and plans, he said, "I have not yet seen my mother, nor have I visited my father's grave," and added, "This weekend, when I visit my hometown in South Gyeongsang Province, I also plan to stop by Yangsan to pay my respects to former President Moon Jaein."
Regarding his decision to visit former President Kim's burial site as his first public appearance after the pardon, Cho explained, "Former President Kim is my political mentor in my heart," and added, "Personally, during my eight months of incarceration, I read five books written by former President Kim, including the translated autobiography of Nelson Mandela."
When asked what role he intends to play as a politician going forward, he said, "We must hold the People Power Party accountable for failing to break away from Yoon Sukyeol (the former president) and for shifting toward far-right politics," emphasizing, "Through next year's local elections and the 2028 general election, the number of People Power Party seats must be reduced by more than half compared to now." He further stressed, "Ideally, I would like to see the People Power Party reduced to zero seats. That is my goal."
Regarding the strong opposition from people in their 20s and 30s to his Liberation Day pardon, he said, "I fully accept the criticism," but added, "As I work to identify and address the tasks that lie ahead, I hope that the younger generation will come to understand my intentions. I will not rush things."
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