The Korea Innovation Party anticipates changes in the two-party system with the potential pardon of former representative Cho Kuk.
Rep. Kim Jun-hyung of the Korea Innovation Party expressed his views on the possibility of pardoning former representative Cho Kuk and his future political activities.
Rep. Kim predicted that if former representative Cho Kuk is pardoned, he will play a significant role in transforming the two-party system of South Korean politics.
During his appearance on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 11th, Rep. Kim mentioned the likelihood of former representative Cho Kuk being included in the list of special pardons announced after that afternoon's Cabinet meeting. He stated, "The party is currently in a cautious mood, but our position is clear that he should be pardoned," expressing his expectations for former representative Cho Kuk's pardon.
Rep. Kim, who is a former president of the National Diplomatic Academy, elaborated on former representative Cho Kuk's political vision.
He shared, "When former representative Cho brought me in, he said, 'Our party aims slightly more to the left than the Democratic Party,'" and analyzed that in the current political landscape of South Korea, "President Lee Jae-myung referred to himself as 'progressive, moderate conservative' and there is a significant gap on the left, especially since the Justice Party is currently non-existent."
Regarding former representative Cho Kuk's future political activities and the possibility of running for election, Rep. Kim expressed the view that Cho Kuk will pursue an independent political agenda after being pardoned.
"Former representative Cho has a political conviction to fill this gap and to break the two-party structure, so if he comes out, it will receive much more momentum than what the Innovation Party is currently doing," he predicted.
On the possibility of a merger with the Democratic Party, he acknowledged, "There are people saying such things privately, under the surface," but added, "Politics is a living thing, so we do not know how Cho will come out, but I believe his thoughts are to establish a position representing progressive politics."
Regarding the possibility of running in the local elections on June 3 next year or in a parliamentary by-election, Rep. Kim preemptively stated, "It's too early for such discussions," while emphasizing, "What matters is not which option is politically more advantageous, but the correct choices we need to make for the path our party should take."
Rep. Kim explained the direction regarding Cho Kuk's candidacy: "If the National Assembly is more important, he will run in the by-elections to increase the number of members to 13. If achieving outcomes in local elections is deemed important for grassroots democracy, he will consider running in local elections." He reiterated, "Cho should go out for either option."
"Cho should go out for either option."
Image Source: (Left) Rep. Kim Jun-hyung of the Korea Innovation Party, (Right) Former Representative Cho Kuk of the Korea Innovation Party / News1, News1
