Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, hinted at running in a competitive district in the June by-elections, mentioning Hanam-gap in Gyeonggi Province — the constituency of Choo Mi-ae, the party's candidate for Gyeonggi governor. He said he plans to announce the specific district at a press conference next week.
On Thursday, Cho visited the National 3·15 Democracy Cemetery in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, and told reporters, "As party leader, I am traveling the country visiting areas where our party has candidates for local government heads. Once that wraps up, I will announce where I will run." He added, "Various scenarios are being constructed from outside, but there is absolutely no need to judge based on those criteria. There is no district that is not a tough fight for me."
Cho then brought up Hanam-gap, the constituency of Choo Mi-ae, who is running for Gyeonggi governor. "With my fellow prosecution reform comrade Choo becoming the gubernatorial candidate, the Hanam seat in Gyeonggi is expected to open up," Cho said. "Even as a heavyweight politician, she won Hanam by just a 1 percent margin — about 1,200 votes — in the last general election." He added, "That is why I believe whichever district I go to will be a tough fight."
Cho said he would work to prevent the People Power Party from gaining additional seats. "I cannot stand by and watch even one more candidate from the People Power Party — captured by pro-Yoon, far-right forces — win a seat," he said. "If such a candidate runs, I will go after them or work to ensure their defeat." He continued, "From the perspective of ordinary citizens, there may be districts where it would look like I chose an easy path. I will not choose such a place."