Former Representative Cho Kuk, Pardon and Restoration… Likely to Return as Party Leader at October Convention
On the 11th, former Representative Cho Kuk of the Justice Innovation Party was included in the special pardon and restoration list for the August 15 Liberation Day, increasing the possibility of his return to the party leadership at the convention scheduled for around October.
Immediately upon his return, whether he will run in the local elections on June 3 next year and the by-elections for the National Assembly has become a major point of interest.
Within and outside the Innovation Party, there is a prevailing observation that after his pardon, former Representative Cho will meet directly with national party members and major supporters to express gratitude and consolidate his support, eventually being re-elected as party leader in an effective 'acclamation' format.
One Innovation Party member stated, "In 2 to 3 months, the demand for 'former Representative Cho to return to the center and lead the local elections' will grow within the party."
Speculations on Running for Seoul and Busan Mayors, Incheon Gyeonggi Constituency
In the political arena, there are discussions about former Representative Cho challenging for the mayoral positions in Seoul and Busan in next year's local elections to boost his political stature. There are also rumors of him running in the by-elections for 'Incheon Gyeonggi' taking place on the same day. Incheon Gyeonggi was the district of Congressman Lee Jae-myung, who secured the presidency.
There are expectations that a competitive structure may form between the Innovation Party and the Democratic Party candidates, or a strategic alliance may be pursued during this process.
These elections are likely to serve as a stage for former Representative Cho's political restoration and a rejuvenation of the Innovation Party, while also being significant tests of public sentiment for the Democratic Party in its first year of governance.
Possibility of Recreating a 'Tsunami' in Honam Region
The Innovation Party, which supported the Democratic Party's candidate Lee Jae-myung in the last presidential election, experienced a decrease in prominence following former Representative Cho's imprisonment, with some evaluations suggesting it disappeared from view after the election.
However, with the return of former Representative Cho, there is an opportunity for a turnaround. Attention is particularly focused on whether they can create a 'tsunami' in the Honam region, similar to last year's general election.
In the proportional representation voting rate for the 22nd National Assembly election, the Innovation Party recorded 47.72% in Gwangju and 43.97% in Jeollanam-do, surpassing the Democratic Party’s satellite party, the Democratic Alliance.
On this basis, there were discussions within the Innovation Party about a potential merger with the Democratic Party, although the party leadership denied this.
Innovation Party member Kim Jun-hyung stated in a CBS radio interview, "I believe the Innovation Party should have fielded its own candidate in the last presidential election," and added, "I trust that former Representative Cho is currently focused on solidifying his position as a candidate for the next presidential election."
Image source: Former Representative Cho Kuk / News1, News1
