Cho Kuk urges dissolution of Democratic Party group amid merger tensions

Cho Kuk, director of the Rebuilding Korea Party’s Innovation Policy Research Institute, has called for the immediate dissolution of the Democratic Party of Korea’s ‘Gong-chwi-mo’ group. This group, consisting of 87 Democratic Party lawmakers, focuses on the withdrawal of indictments related to President Lee Jae-myung. Cho argued that the group serves as a burden to the presidency rather than an aid, urging the Democratic Party to focus instead on investigating allegations of fabricated indictments.

Cho also advocated for several legislative reforms, including amending the Pardon Act to restrict presidential pardons for those guilty of insurrection or foreign exchange crimes, and abolishing the Court Administration Office to decentralize judicial authority. Additionally, he proposed increased public investment in housing, healthcare, and education using semiconductor-driven fiscal surpluses.

Meanwhile, tensions between the Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party continue to rise regarding potential party mergers. Analysts suggest the friction stems from strategic calculations ahead of the 2028 general elections. The Rebuilding Korea Party appears to be using critical stances to increase its negotiating leverage and presence within the progressive camp, while the Democratic Party seeks to expand its appeal to centrist voters, potentially viewing a merger with the more radical Rebuilding Korea Party as a political risk.