Jo Hae-jin: "People Power Party Leadership Election Should Not Become a Popularity Contest"

Rep. Cho Hae-jin, who is challenging for the leadership of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference related to the party convention on the afternoon of the 18th at the National Assembly Communication Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Assemblyman Cho Hae-jin, who declared his candidacy for the leadership of the People Power Party, raised his voice that this party convention should not become a popularity contest. He especially warned that if an inexperienced and unprepared person takes the party leadership, it could become a 'disaster.'

On the 18th, Assemblyman Cho held a press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "A crucial election must never become a popularity vote, a vote based on impressions, or an emotional vote," adding, "The criteria should not be who has the most well-known face, who has the most familiar name, or who has the most media exposure and news searches."

He continued, "If by any chance an inexperienced person, an unprepared person, or a person without leadership becomes the captain and steers the ship into the mountains, it will be a disaster for us," emphasizing, "I believe no one would foolishly entrust the helm of the People Power Party, which carries the course of the Republic of Korea and the fate of 50 million people to the harbor of regime change, to an apprentice sailor."

Regarding the internal tensions arising among candidates, he delivered sharp criticism. Assemblyman Cho said, "One should not belittle comrades to promote oneself. One should not disparage the party to create external political justification," and pointed out, "We need to reflect on whether we are more absorbed in the thrill of internal skirmishes than the urgency of regime change."

When asked if the term 'apprentice sailor' referred to first-term assembly members, Assemblyman Cho responded in a meeting with reporters after the press conference, "It does not necessarily refer to first-term or non-incumbent members."

He gave a positive answer regarding the reinstatement of independent Assemblyman Hong Joon-pyo. Assemblyman Cho explained, "I have consistently argued from the beginning that he should be reinstated," adding, "Although he temporarily left, he protected the party when we were in the most difficult times. I believe he is the one who should be reinstated more than anyone else to achieve regime change."

Regarding the decision by the Election Commission to set the preliminary primary opinion poll for party leader candidates at a ratio of 50% party members and 50% the general public, he said, "I don't know if it is advantageous or disadvantageous, but I see it as a progressive choice."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.