Apologizing for the 'Joguk Incident,' Ruling Party's Song Young-gil... Joguk Says, "Step on Me and Move Forward"

With Song Young-gil "Apologies for not understanding the wounded hearts of youth..."

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized for the 'Cho Kuk incident,' and on the 2nd, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk stated, "Step on me and move forward."

On that day, Cho posted on his Facebook, saying, "I humbly accept the words of Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil."

He said, "During the 'Time of Cho Kuk' and even before that, I have apologized several times with the same intent," adding, "I sincerely hope the Democratic Party now forgets about me and focuses on reform efforts in real estate, livelihood, prosecution, and the media." 'Time of Cho Kuk' is the title of Cho's memoir.

Furthermore, he added, "As a private citizen who has left public office, and as the head of a family devastated by the prosecution's attacks, I will devote myself to self-defense and healing my wounds."

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Leader Song, at the public opinion listening results briefing, apologized regarding the 'Cho Kuk incident,' saying, "I once again apologize for failing to understand the wounded hearts of the people and youth."

He emphasized, "Apart from the legal issues of former Minister Cho, the problems related to his children's college admissions are issues we ourselves must reflect on and repent," adding, "We, who dedicated ourselves to the democratization movement and loudly advocated fairness and justice while condemning others, must painfully reflect on whether we have upheld those principles in our own and our children's matters."

He continued, "Although helping each other build resumes by interning one another through good universities, good positions, and connections may not necessarily violate the law, it caused frustration and disappointment to countless young people who cannot even access such a system." This is the second time the Democratic Party leadership has apologized regarding the 'Cho Kuk incident,' following then-leader Lee Hae-chan in October 2019.

In response, opposition parties criticized it as a "soulless apology." Kim Ye-ryeong, spokesperson for the People Power Party, issued a statement that day, saying, "Except for the public apology by former leader Lee Hae-chan, who was forced to apologize due to the Cho Kuk incident, we remember a regime that has not once offered a sincere apology or deep reflection in the past four years," and pointed out, "Leader Song's apology was also soulless."

Spokesperson Kim added, "It was hard to find respect for the people in the apology," and said, "The Democratic Party must realize that the public has neither the time nor the patience to listen to insincere apologies and must genuinely change and awaken."