After Pardon, Cho Vows to "Move Forward Step by Step" Amid Criticism
Declares, "My Goal Is Zero People Power Party Wins in Local Elections"
Cho Kuk, chairman of the Innovation Policy Research Committee of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, claimed that "men in their 20s and 30s are exhibiting far-right tendencies similar to those of people in their 70s."
Cho Kuk, chairman of the Innovation Policy Research Committee of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, paid respects at the grave of former President Kim Dae-jung in the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News
On the August 22 broadcast of MBC Radio's "Kwon Soonpyo's News High Kick," Chairman Cho said, "It seems that the global phenomenon of young people turning to the far right when they feel uncertain about the future, and when good jobs, childrearing, and childbirth remain unstable no matter how hard they try, is now appearing here as well."
Regarding the negative public opinion among the 2030 generation about his special pardon, he admitted, "I am responsible," adding, "Although the matter has been resolved legally and politically, it seems that the 2030 generation thinks differently." He continued, "I have officially apologized about 13 times, and I will apologize again if requested in the future," adding, "I will continue to communicate steadily and slowly, listen, and do my part." This is interpreted as a more humble stance compared to his previous controversial remark, "Will the 2030 generation open their hearts just because I apologize a few times?"
Regarding criticism from some within the ruling bloc about his "aggressive activities" immediately after the special pardon, he justified his actions by saying, "I have a responsibility to reactivate the party, and I ask for your understanding that this is why I am so active." He added, "I will accept the criticism fully and continue to move forward step by step." He explained, "Unlike the Democratic Party, the Innovation Party is a new, small party," and, "As the person who founded the party and as its leader, I need to step forward as a representative figure of a small party and work hard."
He also addressed the criticism that his pardon was one of the reasons for the simultaneous decline in approval ratings for President Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party, saying, "I am sorry to the President in that regard," and, "(President Lee) made a constitutional decision despite the burden. In that case, I am considering what role I should play."
Nevertheless, he emphasized, "(Former President Yoon Sukyeol) committed an insurrection, but the people repelled it with their strength. That is the power of so-called 'K-democracy.' On the other hand, when a president elected through due process undermines the constitutional order and destroys democratic governance, that is a weakness of K-democracy," adding, "While humbly accepting criticism, I will do my best as a politician to help build a better world after Yoon Sukyeol."
He also made his future political goals clear. He said, "There should not be a single People Power Party candidate elected as a metropolitan mayor in the upcoming local elections," and stated, "My short-term goal is to reduce the number of People Power Party winners to zero." He also announced his plan to "reduce the People Power Party's number of parliamentary seats to 50 in the 2028 general election."
In conclusion, he argued, "Isn't it possible for another president like Yoon Sukyeol or another first lady like Kim Keonhee to emerge again?" and insisted, "To prevent this, we must amend the system through constitutional revision. We need to fundamentally block this by changing the laws and the Constitution."
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