Why Pyeongtaek Needs a ‘National Representative’ Politician: A Deep Dive into Jo Kuk’s Vision for 2026

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Cho Kuk, leader of the Choguk Innovation Party, formally announced his candidacy in Pyeongtaek on the 19th, saying that Pyeongtaek — a “national-level city” — now needs a “national-level member of the National Assembly.”

Cho held a campaign press conference at Hambaksan Central Park in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, declaring, “We will begin the era of Greater Pyeongtaek with transportation reform.”

He acknowledged he has shortcomings and has made mistakes but insisted he is a “national-level politician.” He argued that if he represents Pyeongtaek, the city’s issues can finally be elevated to national priorities for the Republic of Korea.

Cho said he will link three pillars of growth—economy, logistics and security—with three pillars of daily welfare—transportation, care and housing—to usher in the Greater Pyeongtaek era. He stressed that a fully connected transport network will quickly link industry, people, capital and opportunity.

As part of his regional transport agenda, Cho proposed establishing a new KTX Southern Gyeonggi station, piloting a premium BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, and widening National Route 38.

He noted his experience as a presidential chief secretary, justice minister, lawmaker and party leader, saying these roles have provided him with extensive personal networks. He pledged to mobilize all of those resources to drive Pyeongtaek’s development.

Responding to critics who argued that his candidacy in Pyeongtaek would undermine the broader progressive coalition because Progressive Party co-leader Kim Jae-yeon has also declared a bid there, Cho rejected that view. “I cannot understand any practical political principle that says small parties should not field candidates for the sake of coalition unity,” he said.

He added that declining to field a Choguk Innovation Party candidate solely because the Democratic Party leadership chose to run someone in Pyeongtaek does not reflect the spirit of coalition unity. “I do not agree with that at all,” he said, noting the same applies to the Progressive Party.