Jogeuk Innovation Party Considers Name Change in Search of Breakthrough

Calls to Remove 'Jogeuk' for Greater Scalability
Party to Reorganize at National Convention on July 25

After former party leader Cho Kuk of the Jogeuk Innovation Party was defeated in the parliamentary by-election, the party, now facing a crisis, will elect a new leader and reorganize on July 25. Amidst this, some within the party have suggested removing 'Jogeuk' from the party name to enhance the party's scalability.

Kim Junhyung, the floor leader of the Innovation Party, told The Asia Business Daily on the 25th that, regarding the possible name change, "No related procedures have taken place yet, but after the national convention and the election of the new leader, we may be able to start the discussion."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Bae Jaeman = On the 16th, Kim Junhyung, the newly elected floor leader, who ran unopposed in the 3rd floor leader election at the National Assembly Innovation Party members' meeting held at the National Assembly, is expressing his gratitude after being unanimously elected by 12 members. 2026.6.16 Photo by Bae Jaeman (End)

This move appears to be aimed at overcoming criticism that the party has been a personal vehicle, by revising the party's name. On the 23rd, Floor Leader Kim also said on YTN Radio, "The party name was necessary because Cho Kuk created a sensation during the general election and we needed to unite, but personally, I think it is time to consider another name beyond that."

The new leadership of the Innovation Party, to be elected in July, will face the dual task of preparing for the 2028 general election and leading renewed discussions on unification with the Democratic Party, which previously collapsed before the local elections. A party official said, "Last time, the Democratic Party unilaterally raised the issue of a merger, so the Innovation Party could not even get started properly," adding, "For any new unification talks, the Democratic Party should first resolve matters internally and then propose it to the Innovation Party."

Since the June 3 election, the Innovation Party has continuously called for unification of the progressive camp toward the Democratic Party, while also issuing daily criticisms of the government and the ruling party. Regarding prosecutorial reform, acting party leader Shin Jang-sik urged the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act, saying, "The government and the ruling party are sitting on their hands, as if watching someone else mow the grass."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.