SEOUL, South Korea: Amidst widespread dissatisfaction with South Korea’s government and opposition, voters like dentist Cho Young-moon are turning to the Rebuilding Korea party led by disgraced politician Cho Kuk.
Despite lacking substantive policies, Cho Kuk’s party is gaining traction with its anti-government stance, promising revenge against President Yoon Suk Yeol. Cho Kuk, once a rising political star, fell from grace due to an academic scandal implicating his family, an investigation led by President Yoon. Now, Cho Kuk’s narrative of injustice resonates with voters disillusioned with both major parties’ failure to address their concerns.
The Rebuilding Korea party’s sudden rise underscores the electorate’s frustration with the political status quo. With nearly 30 percent approval in polls, the party could secure enough seats to influence the parliament’s dynamics.
Cho Kuk’s focus on holding President Yoon accountable for perceived leniency towards his own scandals strikes a chord with voters seeking change. However, Cho Kuk’s political future remains uncertain, pending a Supreme Court ruling on his appeal and the possibility of a two-year jail term.
Despite potential legal hurdles, Cho Kuk’s personal story and his party’s message of challenging the establishment resonate with voters seeking an alternative. As South Koreans vent their frustrations with the government, Cho Kuk’s party offers a platform promising to keep President Yoon in check, resonating with those disillusioned by hollow opposition claims.
