Jo Guk: "Though I Have Many Shortcomings, I Am a 'National Representative Politician'... I Will Usher in the Greater Pyeongtaek Era"

Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, announced on the 19th that he would run in the Pyeongtaek by-election in Gyeonggi Province, which will be held simultaneously with the June 3 local elections.

On the 19th, Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party and declaring his candidacy for the Pyeongtaek by-election in Gyeonggi Province held simultaneously with the June 3 local elections, held a press conference for his candidacy in front of the music fountain at Hambak Mountain Central Park in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

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That afternoon, Jo held a press conference for his candidacy in front of the music fountain at Hambak Mountain Central Park in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, where he declared, "If I, Jo Guk, represent Pyeongtaek, the city’s key issues can finally become national priorities for South Korea. I will become a strong leader who raises Pyeongtaek’s voice at the center of national politics and secures the full support of the government."

He continued, "A city that represents the nation, like Pyeongtaek, needs a member of the National Assembly who is also a representative of the nation. Although I, Jo Guk, have shortcomings and have made mistakes, I am a politician who represents the country."

Jo stated, "By properly combining the three growth pillars of economy, logistics, and security with the three pillars of daily life-transportation, care, and housing-I will usher in a new era for Greater Pyeongtaek."

He pledged to begin the era of Greater Pyeongtaek with transportation innovation, outlining his first set of policy pledges as follows: the establishment of a new KTX Gyeonggi Southern Station, implementation of a premium BRT pilot project, creation of a new Western BRT line, and development of Anjung Station as a transfer hub.

In response to criticisms that he undermined the progressive alliance for personal political comeback, Jo said, "The Democratic Party’s leadership decided to field a candidate in Pyeongtaek, so for the Jo Guk Innovation Party not to run a candidate is not in line with the spirit of the progressive alliance. Where is the rule that says small parties must not field candidates in order to maintain the progressive alliance? I simply cannot understand it."

Regarding the fact that he is not originally from Pyeongtaek, Jo explained, "A member of the National Assembly represents the interests of their constituency. There are countless examples of representatives, such as Floor Spokesperson Kim Hyunjung and Assemblywoman Choo Mi-ae, who were not originally from the areas they served. After being elected, I will fully embrace and address grassroots demands."

Lastly, Jo emphasized, "I have experience as President, Senior Presidential Secretary, Minister of Justice, and party leader in the National Assembly, as well as the personal networks that come with those roles. I will mobilize all of these resources for Pyeongtaek’s leap forward."

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