Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party who lost in the Pyeongtaek-B constituency in the June 3 by-elections, has stepped down from his post as party leader to take responsibility for the election result.
Cho announced this through his social media on Tuesday, saying, "In this election, I failed to open a new path of hope before the party comrades who devoted themselves in the name of the Rebuilding Korea Party."
While saying, "I have believed that solidarity and unity centered on vision and values are absolutely necessary for the pan-democratic camp to avoid repeating the failures and pain of the period 'after the candlelight revolution,'" he took responsibility for the defeat upon himself.
He also noted, "The results of the June 3 election are expected to bring internal disputes and rifts within the pan-democratic camp," but added, "the fact that the Rebuilding Korea Party is a progressive reformist third party in the National Assembly with 12 seats remains unchanged."
However, he expressed his intention to continue his role as a party member even after stepping down from the leadership. "I am pausing for a while, but party comrades, please move straight ahead with confidence," Cho said. "Please make the DNA of the Rebuilding Korea Party even stronger and firmer together with the new leadership."
He continued, "Please put a decisive end to prosecution reform, which is the task of our times," adding, "Please respect one another, unite, and walk the path of grand social reform without wavering."
Regarding his future political path, he said, "There is no rule that one gives up the war just because one battle was lost," adding, "I will reflect on myself and temper myself as I prepare for what comes next."
