Cho Kuk backs Lee's call to end name-calling and divisive politics

Cho Kuk, head of the Rebuilding Korea Party's innovation policy institute, voiced support for President Lee Jae Myung's call for restraint among his supporters and urged an immediate halt to derogatory nicknames and divisive tactics within the broader ruling camp.

Cho wrote on social media Sunday that "in keeping with the spirit of President Lee Jae Myung's post on X (formerly Twitter), we must put an end to 'nickname politics' and 'divisive politics.'"

Earlier, President Lee had on Saturday night shared a post by an online user who praised him and catalogued his reform achievements — but deleted it and expressed regret after it emerged that the same user had previously used a derogatory nickname, "Munjotheollaeyu," to mock former President Moon Jae-in and Cho.

In his original post, Lee said "the rough conduct of supporters becomes fodder for hate-mongering directed at the president," invoking the spirit behind his earlier decision to disband his fan club known as "Songahyeok" (the Finger Revolution Army) and calling on supporters to conduct themselves with dignity.

On this, Cho said Lee "took this opportunity to state his position clearly and emphasize the importance of solidarity and cooperation," and added that "going forward, I expect the president will be more careful about what he reposts."

Cho then recalled the internal attacks he had faced when he raised similar concerns during the merger debate between the two parties in February.

He said that when he "lamented the resurgence of attacks and smears from the Songahyeok and 'Myunpa' factions and pointed out that such behavior does not serve the president's interests, many pro-Lee lawmakers and YouTubers mocked me, saying I was 'disparaging Democratic Party members' and that it seemed like I 'had no intention of running in an election.'"

He went on to say that "at the same time, attacks spreading the derogatory nickname 'Munjotheollaeyu' — which includes my name — intensified, while those in positions of responsibility in the government and the ruling Democratic Party either turned a blind eye or went along with it."

Cho said that "those who have been singing Lee's praises while turning allies into enemies and building an ecosystem of hatred for personal gain must now heed the president's words," and that "the many Democratic Party politicians who looked away from or exploited this problem also need to engage in deep soul-searching."

He added that Lee's remark at a press conference — "we are all pro-Moon, pro-Roh, pro-Kim Dae-jung, and comrades of Lee Jae Myung" — must be taken to heart, and that "restoring the culture of participatory politics that engaged citizens and the late former President Roh Moo-hyun built, and reviving the spirit of mutual respect and solidarity, is the path to a healthier political camp and a stronger foundation for governance."