The Rebuilding Korea Party elected Representative Shin Jang-shik as its new leader today (the 25th).

Running as the sole candidate for the party leadership, the newly elected leader Shin was elected with an approval rating of 96.7% through a yes-no vote at the 2026 National Party Convention held at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi Province.

This marks the first time since the founding of the Rebuilding Korea Party that someone other than former leader Cho Kuk has assumed the party leadership position.

Leader Shin has been tasked with the heavy responsibility of reviving the party, which lost momentum after former leader Cho was defeated in the by-election for the National Assembly seat in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, during the June 3 local elections, and preparing for the 2028 general elections.

In addition, determining how to set relations with the Democratic Party of Korea remains a key task for Leader Shin.

Leader Shin stated, "We will accomplish prosecutorial reform 100%," adding, "It has been 417 days since the National Sovereignty Government took office, and why has the Democratic Party hesitated and neglected reform during that time?"

"We will not let down our guard until the moment the prosecutorial reform bill passes the plenary session of the National Assembly," Leader Shin emphasized, adding, "We will set up a 'National Situation Room for the Completion of Prosecutorial Reform' on the stairs leading to the plenary chamber and will not leave our posts until the bill is processed."

Regarding relations with the Democratic Party, he stated, "Discussions on solidarity and integration with the Democratic Party are open, but there is a non-negotiable grand principle," adding, "That benchmark is the restoration of the presidential election spirit."

"We must implement the 'Roundtable-Square Citizens' Solidarity Declaration' promised to the public during the presidential election," Leader Shin said, noting that "the introduction of a runoff voting system, electoral system reform that significantly strengthens proportionality, and the normalization of negotiation group formation requirements are the foundation for integration."

He added, "While we firmly reject discussions on a merger resembling a hostile M&A from within some circles of the Democratic Party, we welcome discussions based on vision and values."

A video message from former leader Cho Kuk was also screened at the party convention that day.

In his video message, former leader Cho pointed out, "The current political landscape is precariously leaning to the right," adding, "As can be seen from the confusion within the ruling party surrounding prosecutorial reform, the principles of reform are also being shaken."

Former leader Cho requested, "I hope that the Rebuilding Korea Party will solidify and practice a progressive futurism that anticipates and prepares for the climate of the times rather than just the weather of a single day," urging them to "step by step strengthen the party's capabilities and prepare for the 2028 general elections."

In the Supreme Council election to select two members, Representative Cha Kyu-keun and former Secretary-General Hwang Hyun-sun were elected.

The new leadership will consist of a total of five members: Leader Shin, Floor Leader Kim Jun-hyung, Supreme Council members Cha Kyu-keun and Hwang Hyun-sun, and one appointed Supreme Council member.

(Photo: Yonhap News)