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 Intern Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Within the Democratic Party, criticism has arisen that former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who criticized the prosecution in his memoir, actually recommended former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol. Cho Kuk responded that this criticism is inaccurate and recommended a thorough reading of 'The Time of Cho Kuk.' He argued that the facts are incorrect and that it is not a legitimate criticism.
On the 2nd, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Yong-jin, appearing on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs,' targeted Cho Kuk by saying, "Isn't Cho Kuk the person who recommended former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol for the position? I wonder if he has any reflection on that," regarding Cho's strong criticism of Yoon in his book.
In response, Cho Kuk said on Twitter, "Why does this person make such inaccurate statements?" and added, "I hope you read the book."
On the 2nd, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk introduced a statement by Park Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, on his Twitter. Photo by Former Minister Cho's Twitter capture.
On the same day, lawmaker Park said, "If the criticism of former Prosecutor General Yoon is valid, I am curious about Cho Kuk's own evaluation of his recommendation of Yoon," and added, "There were also people within the party who expressed concerns and opposition at the time of Yoon's recommendation. If we are to reflect, we should look back on those aspects as well."
Meanwhile, as Cho Kuk published his memoir, Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil apologized on the 2nd regarding the 'Cho Kuk incident,' saying, "I apologize once again for not being able to understand the wounded hearts of the people and the youth."
At the public opinion listening report meeting that day, Leader Song emphasized, "Separate from the legal issues of former Minister Cho Kuk, the issues related to his children's college admissions are problems that we ourselves must reflect on and repent," adding, "We, who devoted ourselves to the democratization movement and loudly advocated fairness and justice while condemning others, must deeply reflect on whether we have upheld those principles in our own matters and those of our children."
He continued, "Even if helping each other build resumes by interning each other through good universities, good positions, and connections does not specifically violate the law, it was an act that gave frustration and disappointment to countless young people who cannot even access such a system," expressing self-reflection.
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