Cho Kuk, Kim Kyung-soo, Cheonan Ship... Jo Seong-dae Changed His Words, Ruling Party Says "Don't Speak in Excuses"

'Changing Words' Controversy: Jo Seong-dae Criticized by Ruling Party Too

Josungdae, a candidate for the Central Election Commission, is speaking at the National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 22nd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Cho Sung-dae, a nominee for the Central Election Commission (Professor of International Relations at Hanshin University), stated at the National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 22nd that the "'Cho Kuk incident' showed the reckless pursuit of social elites who inherit wealth and class, and (such a situation) is undesirable," drawing criticism from the ruling party.

Previously, in September last year, Cho had contributed an article to the media regarding the Cho Kuk incident, saying, "The pot calling the kettle black." However, his remarks on this day sparked controversy over whether he was effectively changing his stance. As Cho, who was recommended by the Democratic Party, changed his position on the Cho Kuk incident, Democratic Party lawmakers criticized him heavily.

On the same day, when Jeon Ju-hye, a member of the People Power Party, asked Cho about his column contribution to the media, "The public's anger toward Professor Cho Kuk stems from educational unfairness called 'parental chance' or 'dad chance.' What do you think about this?" Cho explained, "The controversy over educational unfairness is not just Cho Kuk's problem but an issue among our society's elites, and the article was written from the perspective that social reflection is necessary."

Regarding the 'Druking incident,' when criticized for defending Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, on Facebook by saying "(Kim Dong-won, who manipulated comments) is an election broker who approached with malice," Cho explained, "While freedom of election campaigning is guaranteed, such election campaigning is undesirable," adding, "Is Kim Kyung-soo a victim?" to which he replied, "Not really."

Furthermore, when Rep. Jeon asked, "Who was responsible for the Cheonan sinking?" Cho answered, "I accept the government's opinion."

When Rep. Jeon repeatedly pressed, "Don't just say it's the government's opinion; who did it?" Cho retorted, "Didn't the government's official investigation results announce that it was North Korea's act?" and reiterated, "I accept (the government's opinion)."

Previously, in 2010, Cho wrote on his Facebook regarding the Cheonan sinking incident, "North Korea developed an eco-friendly torpedo that uses stealth submarines and submersibles, which does not harm fish or people but splits the patrol ship (Cheonan) in two, and the fish eat all the fragments under the patrol ship. What is the truth behind this joke?"

As critical remarks toward former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and Governor Kim continued, Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Kyung-sook shouted, "Please answer while maintaining neutrality."

From the same party, Rep. Lee Hae-sik said, "It is awkward that whenever the opposition raises an issue, you respond as if your past remarks were wrong," and added, "Don't speak defensively; be more confident about your past statements."

Rep. Yang Ki-dae pointed out, "Being ambiguous like diluting alcohol is not a desirable attitude," and said, "It seems you have made efforts for democracy and the election system throughout your life, so in that respect, it is regrettable."