Former Representative Cho Kuk Reveals Political Beliefs Despite Imprisonment

Former Representative Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party is steadfast in his political beliefs even while serving his prison sentence.

Since being sentenced to prison on December 16 of last year for charges related to his children's college entrance exam corruption and covering up investigations at the Blue House, Cho has continued to strongly criticize former President Yoon Suk-yeol through a recently published book.

In the book titled "Cho Kuk's Study – Letters Written in Prison," published on the 29th, Cho emphasized, "Even if I and my family become victims of the targeted investigation led by Yoon Suk-yeol, he must surely face public punishment."

Regarding the reason he entered politics, he stated, "It is to prematurely end the prosecutor's dictatorial regime and establish a social welfare advanced country centered on people's livelihoods—accomplishing this historical task will also alleviate and elevate my personal suffering."

"To prematurely end the prosecutor's dictatorial regime and establish a social welfare advanced country centered on people's livelihoods."

Criticism of Former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Self-Recrimination

Cho, who served as Chief Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs during the Moon Jae-in administration, expressed deep self-reproach over his decision to appoint Yoon Suk-yeol as Prosecutor General.

He lamented, "I deeply regret not being able to see through the true nature of such a person."

In particular, regarding Yoon's past statement that "he does not serve anyone," Cho provided a sharp interpretation.

He criticized, stating that the true meaning of this phrase is "not to be loyal to others, but to be loyal only to oneself," asserting, "Yoon Suk-yeol is a person who is only loyal to himself, his family, and his organization."

Cho emphasized political awareness by referencing the 6/3 presidential election results.

He pointed out that the difference in support rates between progressive and conservative candidates was less than 1%, advising that we must confront this reality.

In the last presidential election, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, representing the progressive camp, garnered 49.42% of the votes, while Kwon Young-guk of the Democratic Labor Party received 0.98%. In contrast, Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party and Lee Jun-seok from the Reform Party received 41.51% and 8.34% of the votes, respectively.

Impeachment Ruling and Political Calling

Cho reported that he watched the live broadcast of Yoon's impeachment verdict from a solitary room.

When the phrase "We remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office" was announced, he candidly expressed, "I clapped my hands without thinking."

He stated, "Because I hold the final calling of politics deep in my heart, the loss of various positions and even guilty verdicts do not weigh heavily on me," reaffirming his political convictions. He also emphasized that while dialogue and compromise between the ruling and opposition parties are necessary, firmness is even more crucial, sharing his perspective on the current political situation.

Meanwhile, demands for a special pardon on the upcoming Liberation Day for Cho, who has been imprisoned since December for charges related to his children's college entrance exam corruption, continue from various sectors of society, including some factions of the Democratic Party, the ruling party, and religious communities.

Image source: Kim Young-sa Publishing, Former Representative Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party / News1, News1