Cho Kuk: Ruling Party's Chaos Over Prosecutorial Reform Shows Principles Wavering
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former leader Cho Kuk criticizes the ruling party's internal chaos regarding prosecutorial reform.
- He argues that South Korea's reform principles are wavering.
- Cho emphasizes the need for his party to advance beyond prosecutorial reform and address inequality.
Cho Kuk, former leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, expressed concern that South Korea's political landscape is tilting precariously to the right. He pointed to internal confusion within the ruling party over prosecutorial reform bills as evidence that the nation's core reform principles are faltering. Speaking via video at his party's national convention, Cho stated that the Rebuilding Korea Party must evolve beyond being solely a champion of prosecutorial reform.
The Korean political landscape is tilting precariously to the right. As can be seen from the confusion within the ruling party surrounding prosecutorial reform bills, South Korea's reform principles are wavering.
He urged the party to become a force that actively combats inequality. Cho outlined three essential elements for this critical juncture: a clear vision and values for the nation, a relentless drive to pursue reforms mandated by the public, and a humble attitude toward the people. He stressed that the party must take responsibility for the stark disparities hidden behind the glittering boom in AI and semiconductors.
The Rebuilding Korea Party must advance beyond being the vanguard of prosecutorial reform. It must evolve into a party that fights inequality.
Cho also called for the dismantling of outdated systems in politics, economics, and society that protect the privileges of the top 1%. He specifically targeted the "real estate republic" that benefits only the top 1% and unfair tax systems. Furthermore, he warned against prioritizing individual political gain or forming factions within the party, emphasizing the need to steadily strengthen the party's capabilities in preparation for the 2028 general elections.
We must dismantle all outdated systems in politics, economics, and society that protect the privileges of the top 1%.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.