SEOUL – The former spokesperson for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, Kang Mi-jeong, has firmly rejected a public appeal from party leader Cho Kuk to rejoin the party, citing that the continued mention of her name is causing further pain. This refusal comes after Kang's departure over the party's handling of a sexual misconduct case, highlighting ongoing internal tensions.

The Cho Kuk Innovation Party issued a press release on September 12, stating that Chairman Cho Kuk "consistently holds the position that he wants former spokesperson Kang Mi-jeong to return and serve as spokesperson again." The statement added, "We will make every sincere effort to help her feel a desire to return to the party."

According to the party's announcement, Chairman Cho has reached out to Kang in various ways to convey his wishes, indicating a significant effort to bring her back. The party also noted that Cho, since taking office, "intends to take measures on this issue using all available regulations." Furthermore, the party leader has emphasized his commitment to implementing policies to prevent secondary victimization.

"Chairman Cho has made it clear that acts of secondary victimization hinder the complete recovery of the victims and prevent the party from transforming into a healthy community," the party's press release stated. "He has instructed that an amendment to the party constitution and regulations be prepared to impose severe disciplinary action on perpetrators of secondary victimization." The party committed to focusing on the "healing of all," from the victims to the wounded party members and supporters.

In a swift and resolute response, Kang Mi-jeong took to Facebook to publish a statement, reiterating her position. "My will has already been sufficiently expressed, and I am not considering returning to the party," she wrote. "I thank you for the renewed invitation, but I politely decline the offer."

Kang stressed that the focus should be on protecting the victims, not on repeatedly mentioning her name. "I ask that you consider that the very mention of my name is leading to another wound," she wrote. She added that attacks on victims and their supporters are a form of secondary victimization that "undermines the foundation of victim protection and can never be tolerated." Kang called for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party to "prioritize the protection and recovery of victims" and "strongly requested that a thorough investigation and responsible action be taken against the secondary victimization that has been secretly or openly carried out within the party until now."

This public exchange underscores a deepening rift within the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. While Cho Kuk's appeal appears to be an attempt to address a high-profile internal conflict and project an image of reform, Kang Mi-jeong’s firm refusal and pointed criticism suggest that the party has yet to fully address the underlying issues that led to her resignation. The continued pressure from both sides indicates that this controversy is far from over and will likely remain a significant challenge for the party as it attempts to move forward.