Jo Kuk to run in Pyeongtaek-eul by-election

Jo Kuk, the leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, has declared his candidacy for the upcoming by-election in Pyeongtaek-eul, Gyeonggi Province, scheduled for June 3rd. This move marks a significant political maneuver as Kuk aims to leverage this local contest to advance his party's agenda. He articulated his ambition to bring "big politics" to Pyeongtaek, vowing to eradicate what he termed "zero National Power" and "zero corruption." This declaration signals a direct challenge to the incumbent political landscape.

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I will do big politics for Pyeongtaek.

Kuk's decision to run in Pyeongtaek-eul, a constituency where a by-election was triggered by the election law violation conviction of former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Byung-chan, is a strategic one. He pledged to replace the existing political climate, which he characterized by "election conspiracy theories, hate, far-right extremism, and sedition," with "clear politics, humble politics, and clean politics." This framing positions his candidacy as a force for positive change and integrity.

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I take another step from the precipice to realize zero National Power and zero corruption.

Furthermore, Kuk emphasized his commitment to strengthening solidarity with the ruling Democratic Party, aiming for a victory that embodies "people's sovereignty" and champions "democracy and people's livelihoods." Despite admitting to having no prior ties to Pyeongtaek, he expressed strong confidence in his vision, policies, and ability to develop the region, asserting that his "ability beyond connections" and "values beyond regionalism" will be the driving force for change in Pyeongtaek.

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I will drive out conspiracy theories, hate, far-right extremism, and sedition from Pyeongtaek and fill the space with clear politics, humble politics, and clean politics.

The Pyeongtaek-eul race is expected to be a multi-cornered contest, with candidates from the Democratic Party and the People Power Party anticipated. The participation of Kim Jae-yeon, leader of the Progressive Party, and Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Freedom and Innovation Party, has already been announced. Given the ongoing discussions about a potential merger between the Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party, there is a possibility of a unified candidacy emerging as the election approaches.

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I have no ties to Pyeongtaek. However, I can confidently say that my vision and policies to develop Pyeongtaek, and my ability to implement them, are second to none.