Cho Kuk: "Do You Think I Want to See Oh Se-hoon Win?... I Will Run in Any Election Next Year"

Appearance on Kim Eo-jun's YouTube Program
"The People Power Party, a Party of Insurrection, Must Be Defeated"

Cho Kuk, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, has announced his intention to attract votes that would otherwise go to the People Power Party in next June's local elections.

On November 3, during an appearance on the YouTube program "Kim Eo-jun's Humility Is Hard News Factory," Chairman Cho stated, "In next year's local elections, I believe the People Power Party, which I consider a party of insurrection, must be defeated nationwide. In particular, we must reduce the People Power Party's presence to zero in all metropolitan areas and reform local politics." He added, "We will target multi-member constituencies that elect three to four people, take votes from the People Power Party, and secure a seat one by one."

Jokook, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Jokook Innovation Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on September 22. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Chairman Cho commented, "It seems the Democratic Party is concerned about vote splitting in the metropolitan mayoral elections," and continued, "They are worried about close races for Seoul Mayor and Gyeonggi Governor, but there is no need for such concerns." He further remarked, "Do you think I want to see Oh Se-hoon become the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate and get elected again?"

Regarding the possibility of a merger with the Democratic Party, he said, "If a discussion table is set up, we can talk about it," but clarified, "No such discussions are taking place between the two parties." He continued, "Some Democratic Party lawmakers have mentioned it, but there are no official talks. There are many similarities between the two parties, but there are also differences, such as in real estate policy and political reform."

He emphasized, "To talk about a merger, both parties would first need to discuss whether their visions, platforms, and policies align and set up a dialogue table, but none of that is happening."

Chairman Cho also addressed speculation about his potential candidacy for Seoul mayor, which arose after he recently refuted Mayor Oh's criticism of the government's real estate policy. He said, "Next year's local elections will coincide with by-elections. I have said multiple times that I am open to running in any election."

He continued, "As I am currently the Emergency Response Committee Chairman, it is not the time to discuss election strategies," and added, "I will decide what to do and which election to run in by around spring next year, but I am determined not to avoid it." He concluded, "It could be for Seoul mayor or any position where the party needs me. Ultimately, the public will determine my usefulness and effectiveness."