Shin Jang-shik, Cho Kuk Innovation Party's new leader: 'We will give voters the choice of clear reform'

Shin Jang-shik, the newly elected leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, declared his intention to provide voters with a distinct option for "clear reform." Elected unopposed with 96.7% support at the party's national convention, Shin stated his belief that a robust political entity is necessary to champion reforms and ensure the success of a potential "fifth democratic reform government," following in the footsteps of previous administrations.

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We need a political force that can powerfully sweep the expanded left-wing field.

"We need a political force that can powerfully sweep the expanded left-wing field," Shin remarked in an interview with Hankyoreh. He outlined his vision for the party, which he joined as its first recruited talent in February 2024 and subsequently entered the National Assembly as a proportional representative in the general election. Shin, who previously held positions in the Democratic Labor Party and the Justice Party, including secretary-general, stressed the importance of offering voters a clear choice.

Addressing the question of differentiation from the larger Democratic Party, Shin stated, "The most critical point we must overcome is the question of what use the Cho Kuk Innovation Party has, and why we exist separately from the Democratic Party." He argued that while the Democratic Party, as the ruling party, faces limitations in pursuing reforms, the Innovation Party is positioned to advocate for more distinct reformist agendas. "We must provide voters with the option of clear reform," he asserted.

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The most critical point we must overcome is the question of what use the Cho Kuk Innovation Party has, and why we exist separately from the Democratic Party.

Shin also proposed measures to strengthen the public's livelihood, including a special policy for real estate that would increase the public housing ratio to 20%, aiming to lower prices. He also suggested introducing a basic youth income of approximately 340,000 won per month, allowing young people to dedicate one day a week to activities beyond part-time work, focusing instead on their future.

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We must provide voters with the option of clear reform.

Regarding the role of former party leader Cho Kuk, Shin described him as the party's "greatest strategic asset," comparing him to star athletes like Messi or Son Heung-min, whose presence alone is valuable. Cho will be deployed at necessary times and in necessary positions. Shin also addressed potential mergers with the Democratic Party, stating that the party would follow the public's lead regarding the best approach, whether through a multi-party coalition or a "big tent" merger, before the 2028 general election. However, he expressed no interest in a merger that felt like a power struggle or a forced acquisition.

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Cho Kuk is the party's greatest strategic asset.