92-year-old mother supports son's election campaign

Kim Seon-woo, left, a minor opposition Saemirae Party candidate running in the April 10 general elections, and his 92-year-old mother, Cho Ki-joo, raise their fists in front of Kim's office in this undated photo. Courtesy of Kim Seon-woo's office

Mothers grow old, but a mother's love for her children is timeless. Cho Ki-joo, 92, proved it by joining the election campaign of her 58-year-son, Kim Seon-woo, a minor opposition Saemirae Party candidate running for a National Assembly seat in Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang and Jangseong counties in South Jeolla Province for the April 10 general elections.

According to Kim’s office, his mother registered as an official campaigner for Kim with the National Election Commission on Tuesday.

Cho became a teacher in Yeonggwang County in 1952 during the Korean War and taught elementary school students until she retired in 1992.

While working, Cho raised two sons and five daughters, all of whom became public officials or heads of public institutions.

She did not cease working even after her retirement, as she continued to fight for women’s rights and participate in various public service activities.

In recognition of her achievement and contribution, she received the Great Mother’s Award, presented by an association of Yeonggwang natives residing in Seoul, in 2022.

Kim, the sixth of Cho's seven children, was formerly a member of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). After leaving the DPK, he joined the Saemirae Party, led by former DPK Chairman and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, in January.

“My mother joined my election campaign, even though I tried to dissuade her. She said she cannot leave me alone,” Kim said. “I will do my best till the end to revive true liberal politics in the Jeolla region.”