Rep. Cho Jung-sik of the Democratic Party of Korea has resigned from his post as Special Political Adviser to the President to run for Speaker of the National Assembly.
Cho announced his resignation on his Facebook page on Monday, saying, "For the four months since my appointment as Special Political Adviser on December 28 last year, I have worked with a heavy sense of responsibility as a 'bridge of communication' linking the party, the government, and the presidential office."
"I have coordinated without missteps at every juncture of state affairs, so that the ruling party moves in unison for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration," he said. "Now I wish to stand before a bolder path. I will take steps toward a people's sovereignty National Assembly and a livelihood-focused National Assembly with a humbler posture and stronger stride."
He added, "With the proven stability of six terms in office, I will devote all my strength to the calling given to me by the people."
Cho, the most senior sitting lawmaker with six terms, is making his third bid for Speaker of the National Assembly. Political observers say his experience in key party and parliamentary positions has validated his competence and stability. Within the Democratic Party, he has served as Secretary-General and Chair of the Policy Committee, while in the National Assembly he has worked as the chief secretary of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts and as Chair of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee.
President Lee Jae-myung told Cho, "Special Political Adviser Cho, thank you for your hard work. You have always been with us, and I sincerely appreciate it."
