![Cho Jung-sik, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, speaks at a breakfast meeting with ambassadors from the V4 countries (Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland) at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul on Feb. 24, 2026. 2026.02.24 [Photo by Yoo Dae-gil, dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/05/03/20260503113154623766.jpg)
Cho Jung-sik, a Democratic Party lawmaker running in the race for speaker of the National Assembly in the second half of the 22nd Assembly, said Saturday he will resign as presidential special adviser for political affairs.
In a Facebook post, Cho said he was stepping down from the post under President Lee Jae-myung to pursue what he called a “bolder path,” pledging to move toward a “people’s sovereignty National Assembly” and a “livelihood-focused National Assembly.”
Cho said that since being appointed in December, he worked to strengthen communication and serve as a bridge linking the party, government and presidential office.
“Over the past four months since my appointment, I worked with a heavy sense of responsibility as a ‘bridge of communication’ connecting the party, government and presidential office as one,” Cho wrote. He said he coordinated key state affairs so the ruling party could move “in one breath” for the success of the Lee administration.
Cho added that he would devote himself to his public duty with the “proven stability” of a six-term lawmaker.
Lee responded in a comment, saying, “You worked very hard. You were always with us, and I sincerely thank you.”
Cho, a six-term lawmaker, is expected to register Sunday as a candidate in the Democratic Party’s primary for National Assembly speaker.
The party plans to pick its speaker nominee through a two-day vote of dues-paying party members starting May 11 and an in-person vote by lawmakers on May 13.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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