Cho Kuk to Announce Party Leadership Bid on 10th: Why the Mention of Lee Jae-myung?
Cho Kuk, former interim leader, is set to officially announce his candidacy for the Innovation Party's leadership on the 10th, signaling the start of a full-fledged leadership race. This announcement is interpreted as an attempt to solidify his position within the party by rallying support from Lee Jae-myung's backers. On November 9, 2025, Cho Kuk formalized his intention to run for party leader by posting an 'announcement video' on his social media channels, featuring footage sent in by supporters. The video reportedly contains Cho's political vision, his aspirations as party leader, and messages of support from his followers. Cho's strategy is seen as an effort to consolidate his support base within the party and gain an advantage in the upcoming party convention. In particular, the announcement also aims to rejuvenate the Innovation Party, which has recently experienced a decline in approval ratings, and secure new momentum for the party.
Cho Kuk is scheduled to hold a press conference at the National Assembly on November 10 to officially announce his candidacy for party leader. At the conference, he is expected to elaborate on his reasons for running, the direction the Innovation Party should take, and his vision for party management. Furthermore, Cho is expected to answer questions from reporters and clarify his political stance. The Innovation Party plans to hold a national convention on November 23 to elect a new leadership, including the party leader and members of the Supreme Council. This convention is expected to be a crucial turning point in determining the future course of the Innovation Party. In particular, Cho Kuk's candidacy is expected to further heat up the convention atmosphere. An Innovation Party official stated, 'This convention is an important process for electing the leadership that will guide the party's future' and 'We ask for the active participation and interest of party members.' They added, 'We will use this convention as an opportunity to promote party unity and restore public trust.' There have been various reactions within the party to Cho Kuk's announcement. While some party members have welcomed Cho's candidacy and expressed their support, others have reportedly voiced concerns.
In particular, concerns have been raised that controversies related to Cho's past actions could resurface. Cho was previously at the center of controversy due to allegations of irregularities in his children's university admissions and private fund investments. Analyses suggest that these past actions could negatively impact his bid for party leadership. Additionally, some worry that Cho's candidacy could deepen factional conflicts within the party. Political commentators are offering diverse analyses of the impact of Cho Kuk's candidacy on the Innovation Party. Some commentators predict that Cho's candidacy could lead to increased party recognition and expanded support base, while others warn that his candidacy could exacerbate internal conflicts and lead to the departure of centrists. Amid these developments, Cho Kuk stated on his social media, 'I will dedicate myself to the innovation and development of the party' and 'I will pursue politics that meet the public's expectations.' He added, 'I will reflect on past mistakes and approach this with a new determination.' Cho's remarks are interpreted as an effort to address the critical views of his candidacy and rally his support base within the party. With Cho Kuk's announcement, the Innovation Party's national convention is expected to unfold in an even more competitive landscape. With fierce competition expected between Cho and other candidates for the party leadership position, attention is focused on who will become the Innovation Party's new leader. On the same day, the civic group 'Citizen's Hangang' held its founding convention in Seonyudo, Seoul. 'Citizen's Hangang' is a civic group that aims to preserve the environment of the Han River and secure recreational spaces for citizens. It plans to commence full-scale activities through this founding convention. 'Citizen's Hangang' plans to promote water quality improvement, ecosystem restoration, and various cultural events for citizens in the future. The Innovation Party plans to elect a new leadership through the national convention on November 23, and detailed information can be found on the Innovation Party's website. The national convention is an important event that determines the party's major policy directions, in addition to electing the party leader and members of the Supreme Council, and active participation from party members is required. The Innovation Party plans to focus on achieving party innovation and restoring public trust through this national convention.
