Cho Kuk, the Rebuilding Korea Party candidate in the Pyeongtaek-byeong by-election in Gyeonggi, on the 23rd criticized rival Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate, over allegations of operating a "borrowed-name lend company," saying, "I believe it will negatively affect not only the Pyeongtaek-byeong race but the entire election for the democratic and reform camp."
Before attending the ceremony marking the 17th anniversary of former President Roh Moo-hyun's death held in Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang, on this day, candidate Cho met with reporters and said, "I think this issue should be judged by the public's standards. I am really worried," and stated accordingly.
Regarding the possibility of unifying candidacies with Kim, Cho said, "At this point, I believe each candidate should be vetted and compete by the public for ability, qualifications, and track record," but added, "If there arises a possibility that Yoo Ui-dong of the People Power Party—especially the insurrectionary forces—again unite and get elected, then I think we must follow the people's command."
Quoting former President Roh's past remark, "The river does not give up on the sea," Cho said, "I firmly believe that the entire democratic and reform camp will, in the end, flow into the great sea, and I intend to keep that in mind as I do politics."
He continued, "In this election, of course we must compete and debate, but in the bigger picture, as comrades and allied parties who overcame the insurrection, we should move toward solidarity and unity of the democratic and progressive camp," adding, "If we enter the National Assembly through the June 3 election, I will take the lead and be responsible for advancing solidarity and unity."