[2] After the end of the United States Army Military Government in Korea in 1947, Cho became the Minister of Agriculture under Syngman Rhee's presidency.

The party's founding and moderate success in Korea's hostile political environment is considered a large result of Bong-am's personal charisma.

The Progressive Party advocated peaceful unification with North Korea, through strengthening the country's democratic forces and winning in a unified Korean election.

Cho called for both anti-communist and anti-authoritarian politics, as well as advocating for social welfare policies for the peasants and urban poor.

[citation needed] Three years after the election, Cho was charged with espionage and receiving funds from North Korea.