Former Representative Cho Kuk, Likely to be Released as a Special Pardon on August 15… Attention on Political Moves
Attention is focused on the future political moves of Cho Kuk (60), former representative of the Justice Innovation Party, as he is highly likely to be released as part of a special pardon on August 15.
There is speculation in some quarters about his potential candidacy for the mayor of Busan in next year's local elections, but within the party, opinions suggest that running for a parliamentary by-election would be more suitable than for a local government head.
On the night of the 7th, Representative Hwang Un-ha from the Justice Innovation Party indicated in an interview with YTN Radio's 'Shin Yul's News Front Line' that, "The Ministry of Justice’s pardon review committee has included former Representative Cho on the list, and it wouldn’t be easy for President Lee Jae-myung to ask for him to be removed," strongly suggesting the possibility of Cho's pardon and restoration of rights.
Hwang expressed confidence that, "The President will carefully consider this before ultimately including former Representative Cho in the list for pardon and restoration."
Scenario for Cho Kuk’s Political Comeback
If former Representative Cho is pardoned and restored (regaining candidacy rights), it seems inevitable that he will resume his political activities.
Currently, the Justice Innovation Party is operating under the acting leadership of Kim Sun-min, and after a two-year prison sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court, the position of party leader has been vacant.
Should a pardon occur, there are predictions that his return to the party leadership is likely.
In the Busan political arena, there is speculation about his consistent regional connections and national recognition, suggesting the possibility of his candidacy for mayor of Busan.
Cho, a native of Busan who graduated from Busan Hyegwang High School, led the Justice Innovation Party in the last general election, securing 12 proportional representation seats and successfully entering the National Assembly as the third largest party. Notably, in the Busan area, he achieved a proportional voting rate of 22.47%, surpassing the Democratic United Party’s 20.84%.
The analysis points to the effective mobilization of the center-left and anti-Lee Jae-myung Democratic Party supporters, leveraging the slogan "Jiminy Beejo" (district for the Democratic Party, proportional from the Justice Innovation Party) and local ties.
However, Representative Hwang pointed out, "While there are rumors of running for Busan mayor and Seoul mayor, there has been no discussion within the party," adding, "It would be inappropriate for former Representative Cho to run for a local government position; he should return as party leader to fulfill political reform tasks."
Instead, he stated, "With various parliamentary by-elections happening at the same time as the local elections, he could run for a parliamentary by-election, and it is also necessary," expressing the view that engaging in activities within the National Assembly would be more effective than outside representation.
Meanwhile, the pardon review committee, chaired by Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho, reportedly held a meeting on the afternoon of the 7th to select pardon and restoration candidates, including former Representative Cho and his wife, former Dongyang University professor Jeong Kyung-sim.
President Lee Jae-myung is expected to finalize his decisions on the list submitted by the pardon review committee during the Cabinet meeting on the 12th, after reviewing it upon returning from vacation.
Image source: News1, Former Representative Cho Kuk / News1
