Cho Kuk resigns as party leader, takes responsibility for election results

By Joo So-hyun, The Herald Business

Cho Kuk announced Thursday that he would step down as leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, taking responsibility for the outcome of the June 3 local elections. The decision follows his defeat in the Pyeongtaek B National Assembly by-election in Gyeonggi Province, where he failed to secure a candidate consolidation deal despite having long championed unity within the broader pro-democracy camp.

"We were unable to open a new path of hope under the Rebuilding Korea Party's banner in this election," Cho wrote on his Facebook page Thursday. "That is entirely my own shortcoming." He said he was stepping down as party leader.

"I will pause for a moment, but I ask my fellow party members to press forward with confidence," he wrote. He added that while the June 3 results were likely to spark internal debate and divisions within the pro-democracy bloc, the Rebuilding Korea Party remained the third-largest party in the National Assembly, holding 12 seats as a progressive reform force.

Cho also called on the party to build a stronger foundation under new leadership and urged members to see through reforms of the prosecution and broader social transformation.

"I, too, will not grow weary in battle," he wrote. "Losing one battle is no reason to abandon the war." He said he would reflect on himself, sharpen his resolve and prepare for what comes next.