"Distorting Faith by Using the Bible and Prayer as Political Tools"
Calls on the Democratic Party to "Demonstrate Leadership in Coalition Politics"
Cho Kuk, emergency response committee chairman of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, strongly objected to Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, meeting with former President Yoon Seokyoul, calling it "an insult to the sincere and conscientious Christians of this country."
On October 19, Cho stated on his Facebook page, "The possibility of the People Power Party returning to a normal conservative party is zero," making his position clear.
Cho Kuk, emergency response committee chairman of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, strongly opposed Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, meeting with former President Yoon Seokyoul.
On October 17, Jang visited Seoul Detention Center and had a meeting with former President Yoon Seokyoul for about ten minutes. The meeting followed the standard visitation procedures, and Supreme Council member Kim Minsu accompanied him. The next day, on October 18, Jang revealed the visit on Facebook, sharing that former President Yoon was maintaining his resolve through faith and prayer even while incarcerated.
In response, Cho criticized, "Yoon Seokyoul, Jang Donghyuk, and the new mainstream of the People Power Party are arbitrarily emphasizing the 'Bible' and 'prayer.'" He argued, "They put the Bible ahead of the Constitution and use prayer as a shield while ignoring real issues," and claimed, "They are glorifying Yoon Seokyoul as a warrior against the left, rather than as the main culprit of insurrection."
He further stated, "As seen from past alliances with groups like the Unification Church and Shincheonji, the People Power Party does not hesitate to join hands with various heretical forces." He added, "It has also been confirmed that figures such as Cheongong, Geonjin Beopsa, and Myung Taegyun-various shamanistic and fortune-telling advisors-have been active as advisors next to Yoon Keonhee. What would Jesus say if he saw such behavior?"
Cho also expressed strong concern about the orientation of the People Power Party. He said, "The People Power Party is in a very dangerous state," and pointed out, "Considering its history of pro-Japanese sentiment, anti-communism, military dictatorship, and condoning insurrection, this party is turning into a far-right fascist party."
He went on to say, "There are even signs of forming alliances with far-right forces in the United States," and emphasized the need for reform-oriented parties to unite more broadly to counter this.
Cho also addressed the Democratic Party. He said, "Now is a time when leadership in coalition politics is needed," warning, "If the largest party tries to go it alone, it will eventually hit a wall." He added, "Based on the experiences from the general and presidential elections, we must establish a stable framework for coalition politics."
Finally, he stated, "The majority of reformist parties in the National Assembly should clearly express their opposition to the far right under a single name, and present the direction for South Korea after Yoon Seokyoul and after the insurrection to the public." He concluded, "The reform camp must unite to realize social reform and improve livelihoods so that the people are not swayed by far-right politics."
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