Jo Kuk "I will face political judgment in June next year"… hints at running in by-elections and local elections

Jo Kuk, the former representative of the Justice Party who was released through a special pardon on Liberation Day, expressed his intention to run in the local elections or the National Assembly by-elections scheduled for June next year, to receive judgment from the public.

The former representative revealed specific positions regarding his relationship with the Democratic Party, the possibility of a retrial, and evaluations of former power figures Yoon Seok-youl and Han Dong-hoon.

"I have returned as a politician… I will not avoid the public's judgment"

In a recent interview with Hankyoreh published on the 18th, Jo stated, "I’ve just been released, so there are many speculations and expectations swirling, and I have to be a bit careful. However, one thing is clear: I have returned as a politician, and I intend to receive judgment from the public once again in June next year. I believe I cannot avoid that."

He continued, "It's too early to determine whether my candidacy in June will be for local elections or National Assembly by-elections, but I can say that I will face political judgment. I will make a decision based on the situation at that time, and if the party determines where my presence is required rather than my personal interests, I will follow that."

Possibility of unifying with the Democratic Party? "I will think about what is beneficial for the whole camp"

Regarding the possibility of uniting with the Democratic Party, he stated, "The Justice Party is a public political party, and we must first discuss internally. Last April, during the general elections, there was a lot of criticism saying that forming the Justice Party would hinder the Democratic Party's electoral victory, but didn't the results benefit everyone?"

He added, "I believe that, like the past Justice Party, it is not right to unconditionally differentiate from the Democratic Party or draw lines. I will think openly about what will be beneficial for the whole camp and gather opinions within the party."

Targeting Yoon Seok-youl and Han Dong-hoon: "I cannot forgive them"

Regarding the controversy surrounding his pardon, Jo acknowledged, "I understand and accept concerns and criticisms. I will respond through my future actions," but drew the line on the possibility of filing for a retrial, stating, "I do not wish to go back to the past."

He mentioned the distrust issue with the 2030 generation, saying, "It is a problem that cannot be excused by stating that the system was like that at the time or that I couldn’t help it as a parent. If I can alleviate their pain and do something to realize their dreams through my future actions and practices, I believe their hearts might change."

Additionally, regarding former President Yoon Seok-youl and former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, he criticized them strongly, saying, "Yoon Seok-youl and Han Dong-hoon spread the absurd logic that I raised political funds using a private equity fund to the media and reported it to the Blue House. They must have known soon after that there was no basis for it." He added, "However, they dug into the matter of internship certificates for my children. They rummaged through it repeatedly. In the process, they trampled over me and my entire family."

He acknowledged, "I recognize that there is a difference between the time recorded on the internship certificate and the actual hours of work, but Yoon Seok-youl and Han Dong-hoon wielded the sword of prosecution like a madman to preserve their own positions and thwart judicial reform." He stated firmly, "Honestly, I cannot forgive the two of them. However, there might be an exception if conditions are formed under which the majority of the public can say to forgive them."

Image sources: Former Justice Party representative Jo Kuk / News1, News1