“Fateful Day for the National Innovation Party on December 12th”
As the Supreme Court ruling date for Cho Kuk, the leader of the National Innovation Party, has been set for next month, the party has begun to strengthen internal solidarity and prepare to unite for the upcoming challenges.
During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Leader Cho stated, “Since the announcement of my Supreme Court ruling date on December 12th, I would like to briefly express my stance,” adding, “Since 2019, I have constantly lived on the edge.” He continued, “I have contemplated, made decisions, and acted while on the edge,” and mentioned, “The public is aware of this and has supported the National Innovation Party with their votes.”
Leader Cho emphasized, “The trial is the trial, and politics is politics. Regardless of whether it is before or after December 12th, the activities of the National Innovation Party will remain unchanged.” According to party officials, on the previous morning, Leader Cho also sent a text message with a similar message to the party lawmakers, urging them to maintain internal solidarity. He added, “I will remain composed and focus on party duties until December 11th, and I believe the lawmakers will do the same.” He also mentioned, “We are preparing for the worst-case scenario, and it will be handled orderly according to the party constitution.”
Leader Cho, who is currently a sitting member of the National Assembly, will lose his seat if the upper court’s ruling, which aligns with the lower court’s sentence, is finalized in this appeal. However, for proportional representation members, even if Leader Cho loses his seat, the next in line on the proportional list will succeed him. Baek Sun-hee, the party’s special committee chairperson for a welfare state, holds the 13th position on the party’s list from the last general election. Additionally, the party leadership will be succeeded by the top vote-getter in the highest council election, Kim Sun-min, as per the revised party constitution before the last party convention. Conversely, if the Supreme Court decides to re-examine Leader Cho’s case, his “political life” will be extended further.
Reporter Park Sang-hyun