At Gumi forum, Cho stresses “President should push for dialogue, but I must fight” as he expands political reach in TK region
Cho Kuk, head of the Innovation Policy Research Institute of the Innovation Party, declared that “this is Lee Jae-myung’s time” and emphasized that ensuring the success of the Lee administration must be the central task of the current political landscape.
Speaking on September 3 at a bookstore in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, during a book signing and party forum, Cho was asked about the possibility of “President Cho Kuk.” He responded, “I’m grateful for the kind words, but the priority now must be the success of the Lee government and President Lee Jae-myung. That should be at the center for quite some time.”
Addressing speculation about a merger with the Democratic Party, Cho drew a clear line: “The Innovation Party was not created out of resentment toward the Democrats. We will continue to cooperate, but my philosophy is that we must grow strong through our own efforts.”
On criticism that his active political schedule immediately after being pardoned on Liberation Day was premature, he countered, “That was meant as a check against me. But staying still would not help either the Innovation Party or the Democratic Party.”
While President Lee has recently called for bipartisan cooperation, Cho said his role is different: “The president should urge ruling and opposition parties to meet, but I cannot do that. My role is to fight firmly against the People Power Party.”
He sharpened his attack, calling the conservative bloc “the main body of the far right” and adding that such forces “have no place in a democratic republic.” On Facebook, Cho wrote, “The more the People Power Party insists it is not a rebellion party, the more that perception will be reinforced.”
Cho’s comments came as he toured the traditionally conservative Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region. Explaining the trip, he said, “A progressive party must not give the impression of avoiding the TK region. I firmly believe change begins in the hardest places.”
Cho has quickly resumed political activity since his release, taking on party positions and broadening his public presence. The Innovation Party leadership has agreed to hold a party congress in mid-November, which could accelerate Cho’s formal return to the party leadership.