Cho Kuk: 'Ran in Pyeongtaek Due to Democratic Party's Suggestion Instead of Busan'

Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, explained on the 15th the background of his decision to run in the Pyeongtaek B National Assembly by-election, revealing that the Democratic Party's recommendation for him not to run in Busan had been influential. Speaking on the YouTube broadcast 'Kim Eo-jun's Humble News Factory,' Cho stated that key figures from the Democratic Party had conveyed their opinion multiple times through media interviews or direct contact, saying, "It would be best if you didn't choose Busan." Cho explained that the Democratic Party believed it was necessary to maintain the 'Park Heong-joon vs. Jeon Jae-soo' narrative in the Busan mayoral election, and they were concerned that his candidacy would shift the narrative to 'Cho Kuk vs. Han Dong-hoon,' potentially causing problems for the mayoral race. As a Busan native who wants to "eliminate and drive out" Mayor Park Heong-joon, Cho added that he understood the Democratic Party's concerns. He chose Pyeongtaek B because he judged that running in a traditional Democratic Party stronghold like Honam might lack justification, and he felt an intense competition with a Democratic Party candidate would not be appropriate.

Meanwhile, Cho emphasized that since the reason for the Pyeongtaek B by-election lies with the Democratic Party, the principle of "no nomination" should be upheld. However, regarding Democratic Party lawmaker Chung Chil-rae's strategy of nominating a candidate, he stated that choices made by a party leader should be respected.

Regarding the competition with Progressive Party leader Kim Jae-yeon, Cho noted that while they are comrades who have cooperated, there is no principle preventing the Rebuilding Korea Party from fielding a candidate where the Progressive Party has already nominated one, and they should engage in fair competition.