"Serious Economic Situation: The First Step Taken… The Presidential Election Must Be Tackled with 100% United Power"

Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, currently imprisoned, has expressed strong views regarding the Constitutional Court's ruling on the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. He stated, "Yoon Suk-yeol is no longer the president" and claimed, "He is merely a serious criminal who must be punished as a leader of insurrection."

On the 4th, Hwang Hyeon-seon, Secretary-General of the Justice Party, shared a handwritten letter from former Minister Cho on his Facebook page. In the letter, Cho assessed, "After the declaration of the martial law on December 3, I no longer have to hear the numerous lies and fallacies Yoon has spewed from the presidential office or the Constitutional Court," adding, "This means that the first step to resolving the serious domestic and international economic crisis has finally been taken."

He also commented, "During his time as Prosecutor General and President, the former President abused his power to suppress opponents and covered up crimes committed by himself and his family," stating, "The investigations into the Myoungtaek-gate and Choi Haebyeong case must be completely re-investigated, and responsibilities must be borne."

"Kim Geon-hee Also Shares Joint Responsibility… The Next 60 Days of Action Will Influence the Next 60 Years"

Cho highlighted similarities with past military regimes, saying, "Just as Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, who were the main figures in the December 12 and May 17 coups, faced punishment for their crimes after retirement, Yoon Suk-yeol and his followers cannot escape the judgment of the law." He further emphasized, "First Lady Kim Geon-hee, who was a joint operator of power, is likewise accountable."

Furthermore, Cho criticized, "Although Yoon was impeached, the far-right fascist forces that defamed the Constitutional Court, invaded the judiciary, and threatened the constitutional order still remain." He continued, "The retrogressive vested interests that created Yoon Suk-yeol as a 'hero' to seize power have obstructed judicial reform and caused K-democracy to descend into flawed democracy."

Appealing Again to the Public: "Please Unite Your Hearts and Strength"

He stated, "These forces have turned the rule of law into their instrument and have belittled General Hong Beom-do, while elevating pro-Japanese 'New Right' figures," and pointed out, "These groups are scheming to extend their power by labeling the opposition as anti-national forces and spies without any reflection or introspection."

In conclusion, Cho urged, "To the citizens who thwarted the martial law and insurrection, I once again ask you to unite your hearts and strength," emphasizing that "the opposition must quickly organize their positions and approach the presidential election with 100% united power."

He affirmed, "The actions we take in the next 60 days and the choices we make afterwards will determine the next 60 years," asserting, "The Republic of Korea will prevail."

Image source: Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk / News1, President Yoon Suk-yeol / News1