Cho Kuk Rejects Calls for "Self-Reflection"
Emphasizes Duty to Strengthen Cho Kuk Innovation Party and Join Forces with Democratic Party Against People Power Party
Cho Kuk, head of the Innovation Policy Research Institute of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, responded to calls from some within the ruling bloc for him to "self-reflect," stating, "I do not believe that self-reflection is the role of politician Cho Kuk."
In an interview with KBS Gwangju on the 26th, Cho Kuk said, "What members of the Democratic Party are saying is good advice for me," and emphasized, "However, as a politician and as a key figure who founded the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, I have a responsibility to further invigorate the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and to refine its vision and policies."
He also stated, "Do you really think Cho Kuk would do anything to benefit the People Power Party?" and added, "Please do not worry about such things. I believe it would be best if the Democratic Party and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party join forces to hold the far-right People Power Party accountable."
Regarding the possibility of running in next year's local elections in June or in a parliamentary by-election, Cho Kuk said, "I have decided to live as a politician, and since that is my path going forward, I cannot avoid the election next June," adding, "I believe it is my duty not to avoid it."
However, regarding specific plans, he said, "It has only been 10 days since I regained my freedom," and, "(Whether I will run in the local elections or the parliamentary by-election next June) it is not yet time to make that decision."
Cho Kuk, head of the Innovation Policy Research Institute of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, is stepping on the monument of Jeon Du-hwan at the Minjok Minju Yeolsa Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News
Additionally, Cho Kuk said, "There are three messages I want to deliver to the citizens of Gwangju during my visit here," and continued, "The first is that I will work for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which can be considered a government for all our people."
He went on to say, "The second is how to fight against the People Power Party, which has already become a far-right party, and how to reduce its influence. The third is that politics in Gwangju should be transformed from being party-centered to being citizen-centered. These are the points I wish to make."
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