Innovation Party Holds First Emergency Committee Meeting Under Cho Kuk... Faces Numerous Internal Challenges

Cho Kuk, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Innovation Party, stated at the first Emergency Response Committee meeting on the 15th that regarding incidents of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment within the party, "We humbly accept the criticism that the party focused too much on legal procedures and judgments, failing to win the hearts of the victims. I deeply reflect on this myself," he said, adding, "Once again, I sincerely apologize to the victims." He continued, "Based on the three principles of communication, healing, and unity, I will strive to become a vessel that embraces the heart of the community," and pledged, "With sincerity, I will work to restore the public's trust."

Cho Kuk, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Innovation Party (center in the photo), is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

As part of its commitment to providing genuine support to victims, the Innovation Party has decided to prohibit the mention of victims' real names within the party. Chairman Cho explained, "This is what the victims want," and emphasized, "We must respect this, and we will not tolerate malicious reports from certain media outlets and YouTube channels."

Through this meeting, Chairman Cho returned to lead the party at its center, nine months after stepping down from the party leadership in December last year. Chairman Cho is expected to focus on stabilizing the party's unsettled atmosphere and restoring trust.

The Innovation Party announced the previous day that it had completed the formation of the Emergency Response Committee, consisting of a total of nine members, including Chairman Cho, two vice chairpersons, and six committee members. The vice chairpersons are Eom Kyusook, former Blue House Secretary for Gender Equality and Family Affairs, and Seo Wangjin, the party's floor leader. The six committee members are Kim Hobum, advisor; Lee Jaewon, head of the non-profit organization Ieum; Woo Heejong, chairman of the Yesan Life Foundation; Yoon Solji, producer of the Sewol Ferry documentary "Ten Years of Sinking, Zero Sum"; and Jung Hansook, head of the party's Daegu City Women's Committee.