President Yoon is constitutionally allowed only a single five-year term, and his party is desperate to win control of parliament so they can move on his socially conservative agenda.
But scandals, notably over First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s acceptance of a Dior bag – seen in a widely circulated video – and involvement in a stock manipulation scandal, have fueled public discontent with his administration.
Cho says prosecutors have been “lenient” with Yoon and his family, in sharp contrast with their pursuit of his own, which “endured harsh trials for years”.
He is calling for direct elections for prosecutors to put an end to what he calls political bias and credits his party’s support to discontent with the status quo.
“There is pent-up disappointment and anger at the government, but no parties or politicians to fully represent such sentiment,” he said.
“MOST DAMAGED”
Cho’s personal story is helping galvanise voters unhappy with both major parties, political analyst Yum Seung-yul told AFP.
“He is seen as the most damaged” by Yoon, due to the aggressive prosecution his family faced, Yum said, adding he wouldn’t be surprised if the party were to win big in the polls.
But even if he does win, Cho may not keep his seat in parliament. If the Supreme Court rejects his final appeal, he will be jailed for two years.
There is no timeline for the ruling.
At a rally in central Seoul last week, hundreds of Cho’s supporters chanted his name and his party’s slogan – “Three years is too long!” – a reference to Yoon’s remaining term in office.
“People are angry with the government,” dentist Cho said at the rally. And many, like her, think the opposition’s claims it will do a better job addressing their concerns are “hollow”.
“Cho is different in that he has told us what he will actually do to keep Yoon in check.”
