A Call for Change and Unity
Former Representative Cho Kuk, who stepped down as head of the Rebuilding Korea Party after losing a by-election, has issued a strong message to party members. In a Facebook post addressed to the party on the morning of the 8th, he emphasized that the upcoming party convention should not become an election to select his “proxies or representatives.”
Cho stressed that the party convention must never be perceived as, or proceed as, an election to choose “Cho Kuk’s proxies or representatives” or a “Cho Kuk protection” election. He hopes such expressions do not surface during the convention process.
He urged the party to establish a leadership committed to newly defining the party’s vision, values, and policies. This leadership should be dedicated to winning the 2028 general election and creating the fifth democratic government. Additionally, he called for a leadership capable of uniting the party’s full strength with humility, fostering harmony and integration.
As a “sovereign party member,” Cho pledged to fulfill his responsibilities and once again pioneer a path where there is no path. He analyzed the political landscape, noting that after the June election, the established Democratic Party-dominated political structure abruptly shifted to a tightly contested battleground between ideological camps.
Regarding internal divisions within the Democratic Party of Korea, Cho pointed out that fractures emerged in the democratic-progressive camp due to divisive tactics employing derogatory terms. Coalition politics centered on vision and values has taken a backseat, and the era’s critical tasks—resolving polarization and inequality—have failed to become political priorities.
He warned that the democratic-progressive camp’s support base is shrinking, and warning lights are flashing for the 2028 general election and the 2030 presidential election.
Cho emphasized that this party convention must serve as a turning point delivering meaningful shock not only to the Rebuilding Korea Party but to the entire democratic-progressive camp. It should lay the foundation for the party to become one that presents a path of “unhindered reform and strengthened livelihoods” in South Korea’s post-insurrection era.
The Upcoming Convention and Key Candidates
The Rebuilding Korea Party’s convention, scheduled for next month, has seen Representative Shin Jang-sik declare his candidacy for party leader. Candidates for supreme council member include Hwang Hyun-seon, a former senior administrative officer under the Moon Jae-in administration’s Cheong Wa Dae; Representative Cha Kyu-geun; and Lee Sook-yoon, vice chair of the party’s policy committee.
In his declaration, Shin avoided mentioning Cho and instead pledged to succeed former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan and late Progressive Justice Party Representative Rho Ho-chan.
Membership Benefits and Opportunities
For those interested in staying informed and accessing exclusive content, various membership options are available. For instance, a 5900 won membership offers access to newspapers and magazines, while readers can enjoy a discounted rate of 2900 won through the Chosun Membership program.
Subscribers also gain access to 55000 won worth of newspapers and magazines, allowing them to explore a wide range of publications. Additionally, members can receive 7000 points that can be used like cash for shopping, making it an ideal choice for those looking to save money while staying informed.
