The Head of the Jogye Order Sends Official Letter to the Presidential Office

Voices calling for the special pardon of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk have been officially raised within the religious community. It has been reported that the Head of the Jogye Order, Seon Master Jinwoo, recently delivered a letter to President Lee Jae-myung requesting the pardon and restoration of former Minister Cho.

According to the religious community on the 28th, Seon Master Jinwoo stated in the petition sent to the President, "In following the spirit of great compassion of the Buddha, I earnestly request the pardon and restoration of former Representative Cho." He further expressed, "I hope that Cho will quickly return to his family and the people and walk the true path of national innovation together with you, Mr. President."

He also said, "I sincerely wish that this pardon does not become a product of political calculation, but rather serves as a symbol of dialogue that transcends division and coexistence that overcomes conflict." He expressed hope that the President would become a leader to open a new era of coexistence and reconciliation with the spirit of 'Pasugonghaeng' (hand in hand).

Archbishop Ok Hyun-jin of the Gwangju Archdiocese Also Requests 'Pardon for Cho Kuk'

It has also been confirmed that Archbishop Ok Hyun-jin of the Gwangju Archdiocese recently delivered a petition to President Lee Jae-myung requesting a special pardon for former Representative Cho Kuk.

According to Herald Economy, Archbishop Ok sent a letter titled "To the Honorable President Lee Jae-myung." Opening with "Wishing for peace," he conveyed deep compassion for former Representative Cho along with a message of collective integration.

He stated, "Former Representative Cho has borne the heavy mission of judicial reform and has endured considerable political hardships and legal responsibilities in the process." He continued, "However, many citizens perceive his punishment not as the realization of strict justice but as an abuse of prosecutorial power, marking the beginning of prosecutorial tyranny." He emphasized, "The Catholic Church teaches that it must always open the path of mercy and reconciliation for those who have repented. At this moment, a pardon for former Representative Cho could be the first step toward healing the fractured hearts of our society and moving forward into the future."

Archbishop Ok mentioned President Lee's integrative leadership, adding, "If the President makes this decision, many citizens will be filled with the hope that politics can become a tool for reconciliation and healing rather than a language of conflict."

He concluded by expressing, "I earnestly hope that you will grant former Representative Cho the opportunity to work as soon as possible. If he is given that chance, I believe he will dedicate himself wholeheartedly for you and the Lee Jae-myung administration. His character supports this."

Political Arena Also Joins in Support… "He Has Already Paid a Sufficient Price"

Not only within the religious community but also in the political and academic sectors, the demand for a pardon for former Minister Cho is spreading. On the previous day, Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu stated on Facebook, "Former Representative Cho and his family have already paid harshly for their sins," advocating for a special pardon.

Lawmaker Kang asserted, "Had he not engaged in politics, had he not called for judicial reform, had he not opposed Yoon Seok-yeol, he would not have faced such circumstances," claiming that "this situation reflects the targeted investigation by the political prosecution that President Lee himself experienced."

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik also visited the Seoul Southern Detention Center on the 9th to meet with former Minister Cho. They reportedly met in a 'non-contact visit' format without contact blocking facilities. Although Speaker Woo did not make a specific request for a pardon, it is generally viewed as significant that the National Assembly Speaker, who holds the second position in the state's protocol, met with former Minister Cho prior to Liberation Day.

Legal Community Joins in Petition… Presidential Office States "No Discussion has Taken Place"

The petition for a pardon for former Minister Cho has also continued in academic circles. On the 10th, 34 law professors, including former Minister of Justice Park Sang-ki, submitted a petition to the Presidential Office urging a special pardon for former Minister Cho.

However, the Presidential Office has not yet publicly stated its position on the matter. Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung explained during a briefing the previous day, in response to a question about the possibility of a special pardon for former Minister Cho, "No discussions have been held regarding the pardon authority," clarifying that "the power of pardon is the President's unique right, and the President can make the final decision."

As discussions about a pardon for former Minister Cho, who has recently begun political activity as the leader of the Justice Korea Party, emerge to the surface, there are cautious analyses suggesting that President Lee Jae-myung's judgment may become a political turning point in the future.

Image sources: Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk / News1, Seon Master Jinwoo / News1, Archbishop Ok Hyun-jin / News1, News1