Rep. Cho Kyung-tae of the People Power Party stated on the 17th that regarding potential candidates for the next emergency committee head after the dissolution of Han Dong-hoon’s leadership, he questioned, “If someone who opposes impeachment is placed as the head of the committee, can our party truly win the presidential election next year?” In a radio interview on “Kim Tae-hyun’s Political Show,” Rep. Cho criticized the mention of pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) figures as candidates, saying, “Regardless of who takes the position, the party must shed its ‘martial law advocate’ image.” He emphasized that the emergency committee should align with the people’s call for impeachment, which reflects the public sentiment.
As a six-term lawmaker, Cho was the first within his party to express support for impeachment. When asked if he would accept the role if offered, he replied, “The person should be someone who aligns well with that sentiment.” He emphasized that the party’s identity should resonate with the people’s will, stating, “Our party’s name is the People Power Party, not the Insurrection Power. Criticizing the president’s wrongdoings and respecting the people’s will should be foundational to the party’s philosophy.”
He further asserted that the party should start by “sincerely apologizing to the public,” and suggested a return to the “spirit of the tent headquarters,” indicating a need for genuine reflection and atonement.
Cho also criticized some pro-Yoon lawmakers, noting that despite the need for sincere apology, they harshly criticize and loudly oppose those who supported impeachment. He challenged the logic of punishing members who supported impeachment while opposing martial law, saying it was illogical. He expressed disbelief that legislators would act similarly if facing parliamentary elections in the spring, contending that those acting otherwise lacked the qualifications to be lawmakers. He stressed that “The true owners of the Republic of Korea are its citizens, not the president, and the president has betrayed the people and should no longer serve in office.”
Regarding Han Dong-hoon’s resignation the previous day, Cho remarked, “A more accurate expression is that he was expelled,” critiquing the party’s failure to heed the public’s will. He speculated that if the public regains affection for the party, Han might be recalled, and emphasized that the People Power Party must restart with a completely fresh approach.