Mixed Reactions to Jo Guk's New Party: "Applause for Courage" vs "Political Mockery"

Conflicting Reactions to the Declaration of the 'Joguk Shindang'
Jung Cheong-rae: "Let's Meet at the Sea... Together Yet Apart"
Democratic Election Alliance Promotion Team Urges Joguk to "Exercise Restraint"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk has declared the formation of a new party ahead of the April 10 general election. This comes about four months after he announced his intention to restore his honor through 'non-legal means.' However, political circles have shown mixed reactions to Cho's full-fledged political move. Jeong Cheong-rae, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, welcomed him by saying, "Let's meet together in the vast ocean," while the Democratic Reform Progressive Election Alliance Promotion Team and the Reform New Party of the Democratic Party drew a line on the 'possibility of Cho Kuk joining the new party.'

On the 13th, Cho Kuk stated at the Democratic Park in Jung-gu, Busan, his hometown, "I will fight at the forefront to end the incompetent prosecutorial dictatorship regime." Regarding his method of running in the general election, he said, "The specific method of running, whether proportional or constituency, is not something I can decide on my own," adding, "After forming the party, I will discuss with comrades and friends to decide on the method of candidacy."

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk held a press conference at Busan Democracy Park on the 13th and declared the formation of a new party. Former Minister Cho officially announced the establishment of the new party, stating, "I will fight at the forefront to end the incompetent prosecutorial dictatorship regime." Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The day before, Cho Kuk visited former President Moon Jae-in, marking the start of his full-scale preparations for the general election. When Cho expressed his intention to run, Moon reportedly said, "It would be good if we could do politics together within the Democratic Party, but if that is difficult, I understand the inevitability of forming a new party."

Jeong Cheong-rae, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, expressed his welcome, saying, "I applaud the determination and courage to declare participation in practical politics." On his Facebook that day, Jeong wrote, "I don't know in what form we will work together, but I expect we can meet in the vast ocean of regime judgment," adding, "Together yet apart." In subsequent posts, he said, "The river does not give up on the sea," and "Let's meet in the vast ocean. The sea does not get wet from the rain."

However, Park Hong-geun, head of the Democratic Reform Progressive Election Alliance Promotion Team of the Democratic Party, announced that Cho Kuk's new party would be excluded from the election alliance. Park said, "In this critical historic election, Cho Kuk's political participation or independent party formation will not help the people's victory but will only generate unnecessary controversy, conflict, and persistent attacks," adding, "Although there may be grievances due to excessive investigations and shortcomings in our Democratic Party, I earnestly and strongly request restraint for the unity and victory of the Democratic Party and progressive reform forces."

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is moving after paying respects at the tomb of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, on the afternoon of the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday, the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

Cheon Ha-ram, Supreme Council member of the Reform New Party, also stated on KBS Gwangju Radio 1's 'Start! Morning of Mudeung' that the Reform New Party will not align politically with Cho Kuk. Cheon said, "We are clearly not related to former Minister Cho Kuk," and criticized, "Cho Kuk has received a prison sentence in the second trial and only avoided detention in court, so I cannot understand on what grounds or moral status he claims to run in the general election while still subject to our country's judicial system."

He continued, "Someone about to be imprisoned saying they will engage in political activities, and former leader Song Young-gil announcing candidacy from prison?these messages ultimately trivialize politics," adding, "I think this alienates the public from politics."

Meanwhile, Cho Kuk hinted at running in the general election during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility is Difficult News Factory' last November. He said, "I think my entire family has been slaughtered," and emphasized, "When a person’s mission and explanation are completely rejected within the current legal system, that person has an instinct to make their mission and explanation known through non-legal means, such as cultural, social, or political methods, and I believe that is also a citizen's right."

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