Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of November 20 last year. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim So-young] Professor Kim Geun-sik of Gyeongnam National University strongly criticized the apology letter 공개한 by former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, calling it "an apology without sincerity or will."
On the 7th, Professor Kim wrote on his Facebook, "As expected of Cho Kuk. No, this is the 'Japanese-style' apology that Cho Kuk hates the most," expressing his opinion.
He criticized, "Although Cho Kuk is mentioned as the cause of the by-election defeat, and rookie members of the Democratic Party apologize for the Cho Kuk incident, and the Prime Minister nominee apologizes on their behalf, Cho Kuk himself is reusing the mere expression of regret from when he was a candidate for Minister of Justice."
He added, "This is not a new, sincere apology of repentance, but reissuing a media apology made several years ago before becoming a defendant again means that there is no intention to apologize, that the apology was already made at that time, and that he is only pretending reluctantly."
He continued, "It is identical to Japan's insincere parrot apology issued around the anniversary of the end of the war (Liberation Day) every year," emphasizing, "'Colonial rule was legal, but if it hurt Koreans, we are sorry'?this is the Japanese-style apology."
Professor Kim pointed out, "Are we learning while cursing? Are we becoming alike while fighting? Cho Kuk, who stood at the forefront of anti-Japan with death song and native Japanese collaborator accusations, strangely follows Japan when apologizing for his own mistakes."
He said, "The shamelessness of having done nothing wrong and double standards are originally Cho Kuk's traits, but in his attempt to avoid crisis with an insincere formal apology, he gives the most Japanese-like impression. Now Cho Kuk has become the most Japanese-like."
He advised, "Japanese-style Mr. Cho Kuk. Instead of the Japanese right-wing apology that colonial rule was legal but reluctantly expresses regret, at least apologize like the conscientious Japanese left-wing."
Earlier, on the 6th, former Minister Cho posted an apology on his Facebook, stating, "As a former high-ranking public official, I will take unlimited political and moral responsibility. I will accept more punishment." He listed explanations from his 2019 ministerial candidate public apology, press conference, and confirmation hearing, then wrote, "I apologize once again with the above intention."
The reused apology included statements such as, "No matter how legal and legitimate it was at the time, compared to those who could not use it, I and my child benefited," and "As a result, even if my child was legal, I reflect on the fact that we benefited."
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