Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, who lost the June 3 by-election for National Assembly member in Pyeongtaek-eul, Gyeonggi, said he would step down as party leader, taking responsibility for the election result.
On the 4th, Cho wrote on Facebook, "Today I will take responsibility for the June 3 election result and step down as party leader," adding, "In this election, I failed to open a new path of hope before our party members who devoted themselves under the name of the Rebuilding Korea Party. It was all because I fell short."
He continued, "The June 3 election result is expected to bring debate and fissures within the broad democratic camp, but the fact that the Rebuilding Korea Party is the third-largest progressive-reform party with 12 seats does not change," and said, "Together with the new leadership, please make the Rebuilding Korea Party's DNA stronger and more solid."
Cho also said, "I will pause for a moment, but comrades in the party, please go forward with confidence," adding, "I will not grow weary either. Losing one battle is no reason to give up the war. I will reflect on myself and temper myself as I prepare for what comes next."
He added, "A tree endures by the strength of its roots. As a sovereign party member, I will always stand with you from behind."