Jo Guk, the head of the Rebuilding Korea Party's innovation policy research center, noted on the 4th regarding the resignation announcement of Spokesperson Kang Mi-jeong over a sexual misconduct incident within the party, "I feel very heavy and pained."
On the same day, Jo posted on Facebook, writing, "I express my deepest condolences to the victims who have suffered severe wounds." He added, "I promised to meet with the suffering Spokesperson Kang Mi-jeong to comfort her. I regret that I could have acted more swiftly," and said, "I thought the matter had been resolved after hearing that the perpetrator was expelled following the party's investigation."
Jo explained that, due to his expulsion from the party, he held a position that could be considered as a non-party member and determined that intervening in this process would undermine the system and procedures of a public party.
He also stated that while the party's expulsion of the perpetrator was the right decision, "We must reflect on whether there were areas where we were negligent in the victim recovery process. Above all, we must do our best to establish effective measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again." He added, "I will also check for any shortcomings on my part. I will work towards the institutionalization of zero tolerance punishment and complete victim recovery."
Previously, Spokesperson Kang held a press conference at the National Assembly, exposing incidents related to the sexual misconduct of key party officials before resigning. Immediately after the conference, Kang revealed that Jo was aware of these facts but said he had not heard any specific position from him, stating, "I think silence is also a message I must interpret."