Former Representative Cho Kuk: First Statement After Pardon "Symbolic Scene of Ending Prosecutorial Dictatorship"
After being released due to the special pardon on August 15th, former representative Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party emphasized judicial reform and the unification of the progressive camp while announcing his return to the political arena.
Upon his release, Cho remarked, "The decision to grant me a pardon is a symbolic scene of the end of the prosecutorial dictatorship that has been abusing its authority."
He further stressed, "The extreme right-wing party, the People Power Party, which has not severed ties with and continues to support Yoon Seok-yeol, must be judged once again, and the democratic progressive camp should unite and collaborate even more."
Cho was released from the Seoul Southern Correctional Facility at 2:02 AM on the 15th and expressed his deep gratitude to President Lee Jae-myung for making a "constitutional decision." He added, "The Lee Jae-myung government must succeed, and I will do my part, however small."
At the release site, Cho Kuk Innovation Party lawmakers and supporters gathered, chanting "Cho Kuk."
He also expressed his willingness to listen to criticism regarding his pardon. "I am listening with respect to those who have expressed critical thoughts about my pardon," he stated. "Once the reinstatement measures are taken, I will enter the public sphere with a more humble attitude, embracing all criticism, opposition, and slander in my politics."
The Cho Kuk Innovation Party emphasized the so-called 'Icebreaker Theory' centered around Cho, in order to lead judicial reform and drew a line against the idea of unifying with the Democratic Party.
Political analysts suggest that Cho Kuk's immediate focus on 'crushing insurrection' and advancing judicial reform through the unification of the progressive camp indicates a bold move to position himself as a leading contender for the next presidential election.
After a weekend of rest, Cho plans to apply for reinstatement on the 18th and is expected to begin a public actions tour across the country to express his gratitude.
"I have deeply reflected and devised extensive plans during the past eight months in this place (prison)," he said.
Additionally, he is reportedly considering schedules to pay respects at the Gwangju National 5.18 Democracy Cemetery and the burial site of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae, as well as meeting former President Moon Jae-in in Yangsan, Gyeongnam.
Public Opinion on Cho's Pardon: Polarized Support and Opposition
According to a survey conducted by Korean Gallup from the 12th to the 14th, 43% of respondents supported the pardon while 48% opposed it among 1,007 adults nationwide.
By age group, opinions were predominantly in favor among those in their 40s (58%) and 50s (59%), while opposition dominated among those aged 18-29 (50%), 60s (54%), and 70 and over (56%).
In terms of political orientation, the support rate was high among supporters of President Lee Jae-myung, but opposing views prevailed among supporters of the People Power Party and among moderates and independents.
Notably, among respondents who evaluated President Lee's government negatively, opposition to the pardon reached a staggering 93%. Among moderates and independents, opposition also exceeded support, at 50% and 63%, respectively. This reflects that while Cho's pardon is a significant issue in the political sphere, the general public's opinions remain divided.
Image Source: Facebook 'Cho Kuk', former representative of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, who was included in President Lee Jae-myung's first special pardon and restoration list, is seen leaving the Seoul Southern Correctional Facility in Guro-gu on the early morning of the 15th / News1
