"Jo Gwang-han, Who Fiercely Criticized 'Suffering Many Wounds and Party Humiliation,' Leaves Democratic Party"

Future Position Undecided... Possibility of Independent Candidacy Also Considered

Joguanghan, Mayor of Namyangju City [Namyangju City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Cho Gwang-han, mayor of Namyangju City, has left the Democratic Party of Korea.

On the 28th, Mayor Cho stated on SNS, "I am leaving the Democratic Party today. I have suffered many wounds for nearly two years. I have been tormented by continuous insults within the party, sometimes locally and sometimes centrally," expressing his reflections.

Mayor Cho said, "Putting political gains and losses aside, I have come to the conclusion that no longer enduring and tolerating this is not respectful to my life," adding, "I loved the Democratic Party that carried the spirit of Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. However, I find it impossible to love the current Democratic Party."

He continued, "I am just a human being with limitations who cannot reach the saintly state, and after painful contemplation, I have made today's decision," and said, "From now on, I intend to act based on my conviction that politics, in any form, should function productively for the country and its people."

He also stated, "As the mayor of the 7th local government, I have worked to lay the foundation for the development and leap of Namyangju City and to raise the pride of its citizens. I sincerely thank the citizens who have given me this precious role and meaningful honor. Regardless of the circumstances, I will prioritize the development of Namyangju City and devote myself wholeheartedly."

Mayor Cho was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison in the first trial for allegedly interfering in the party's primary during the last general election and was detained in court but was released on bail.

It is known that Mayor Cho has not yet decided on his future course of action, and there are local speculations about his independent candidacy.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Korea Gyeonggi Province Party Committee's Public Recommendation Committee selected three candidates?Shin Min-cheol, Choi Min-hee, and Yoon Yong-soo?as nominees for the Namyangju mayoral primary through the 4th nomination screening of basic local government heads in the province on the 24th.

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