Cho Kuk: "Song Young-gil, who joined hands with Byun Hee-jae, is the one behaving like a pro-Japanese collaborator"

[Financial News] Former Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP) leader Cho Kuk criticized Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Song Young-gil on the 22nd, saying, "When he formed the Pine Tree Party, he joined hands with far-right figures Byun Hee-jae and Choi Dae-jip. Isn't such conduct exactly akin to that of a pro-Japanese collaborator?"
Cho Kuk wrote on his social media that day, "Song Young-gil appeared on a broadcast yesterday and likened the democratic progressive camp, which has pointed out problems with President Lee Jae Myung and his government, to 'Yi Wanyong' and 'Iljinhoe.' There can be no more outrageous remarks than these."
Cho Kuk said, "Song Young-gil also said, \"I will become Kim Yong-nam's campaign chair and bring down Cho Kuk.\" Regardless of the reason, Song Young-gil repeatedly criticizes and attacks Cho Kuk at every opportunity. I hope he continues his efforts."
He went on to criticize Song Young-gil, saying, "In a recent interview, Song Young-gil said he has 'thoughts of taking charge of the country,' effectively expressing his intention to run for president. Is this really the time to say such a thing, in the second year of the Lee Jae Myung government and especially amid a major crisis?"
He added, "Following President Lee Jae Myung's press conference, the entire political camp has been working to revive the spirit of solidarity and unity, but he alone is acting to divide the camp again and intensify tensions. I hope he will exercise restraint."
The RKP also called on Song Young-gil to "apologize for his inappropriate analogy and outrageous remarks," adding, "President Lee Jae Myung has recently repeatedly appealed for 'solidarity and unity' among the broader ruling bloc, but a senior lawmaker of the ruling party, who should be supporting that effort, is spewing outrageous remarks and turning everyone's efforts into empty words."
Song Young-gil said on a broadcast the previous day, "Throughout history, outside influence has operated through internal division," adding, "When Japan colonized Joseon, didn't it create Iljinhoe, build a pro-Japanese faction through internal division, and then manufacture formal legitimacy through Yi Wanyong?"
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