Former Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk expressed a strong intent to run in next year's June local elections or by-elections. This marks the formalization of his political activities just four days after being released under a special pardon on Liberation Day.
On the 18th, Cho appeared on broadcaster Kim Eo-jun's YouTube program and, in response to the host's question about whether he would run in next year's local elections and by-elections, stated, "In any case, it is clear that I will seek the choice of the people in June next year." He added, "I want to be politically chosen again."
This statement marks the first official suggestion of a possibility of running in the local elections or by-elections, supporting political speculation that Cho may challenge for key positions in metropolitan elections, such as mayor of Seoul and mayor of Busan. However, regarding specific districts for his candidacy, he noted, "I cannot decide yet where I will go."
Cho commented on the background of his pardon decision, saying, "I believe President Lee Jae-myung did not decide on the pardon in a politically calculated way. He probably did not make an engineering judgment." He added, "The president I know would have taken a direct approach."
He emphasized that discussions within the two parties must take place first regarding the possibility of merging the Democratic Party of Korea and the Rebuilding Korea Party.
Cho stated, "I believe there are both proponents and opponents of the merger within the Democratic Party," and added, "There are various opinions on the merger issue, and I will start collecting opinions now."
He noted, "I understand there are concerns about local elections and general elections. I hear that there are worries about whether dispersing votes will benefit the People Power Party. But would I want the People Power Party candidate to be the mayor of Seoul in 2026 or 2028? I would absolutely not allow that." He added, "I will not take actions to differentiate myself from the Lee Jae-myung government and highlight my presence."
He reiterated, "The most important criteria for the merger are vision, policy, and electoral strategy," stating, "What I am talking about at this point is hasty and needs to be discussed within the Rebuilding Korea Party and the Democratic Party."
He expressed his intention not to request a retrial regarding his related charges. Cho stated during an interview with Hankyoreh released that day, "Although I do not agree with the court's fact-finding and legal reasoning, I have already said several times that I accept the verdict." He continued, "I don't know what Professor Jeong Kyung-shim will do, but if I were to go through a retrial, I would have to invest effort in it, which I do not desire."
He emphasized, "What I need to do going forward is to prove the necessity of my effectiveness and role to those who criticize my pardon, including the 48% of the public who opposed the pardon in polls."
Meanwhile, Cho is expected to visit the National Cemetery in Seoul's Dongjak District on the afternoon of the same day to pay respects at the grave of former President Kim Dae-jung. He will also submit an application for party re-entry, marking the start of his political activities. Cho was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court in December last year for allegations of entrance exam bribery and covering up investigations, and he had been serving his sentence until receiving a special pardon and restoration of rights this Liberation Day.