Editor’s note: Korea Pro’s regular ‘Election Watch’ series covers key political developments in South Korea leading to the April 10 General Elections.

Cho Kuk, South Korea’s former justice minister, has re-emerged as a significant political figure despite facing corruption charges and a subsequent prison sentence. His leadership of the newly established Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), which quickly became the country’s third-most-popular party, marks a remarkable comeback.

However, Cho’s rising popularity and his potential alliance with the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) could have far-reaching implications, potentially alienating young voters and undermining the DP’s long-term credibility.

The RKP’s rapid ascent outpaced