"Again Double Standards... Democratic Party Really Out" What About the 'Cho Kuk Incident'? [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Song Young-gil "Youth frustrated by Cho Kuk's children's admission issue... Deep reflection"
Democratic Party members "Song Young-gil should be impeached" harsh criticism
2030 generation "Cannot understand Cho Kuk's memoir publication... No reflection"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I'm really tired of hypocrisy." , "Don't you really reflect on the Cho Kuk incident!"

The political controversy surrounding the memoir 'The Time of Cho Kuk' published by former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is growing, along with increasing criticism from the 2030 generation. Some have reacted strongly, saying they will never support the Democratic Party again, accusing it of hypocrisy once more.

Furthermore, pro-Moon (친문) factions are targeting Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who apologized for the 'Cho Kuk incident,' with calls for his resignation or impeachment. This has led to concerns that the Democratic Party, with the presidential election approaching, is once again embroiled in internal strife (a conflict within the same camp).

Among young people, there is criticism that they cannot understand the publication of the memoir itself. Lee, a university student in his 30s, pointed out, "It seems that someone who claims to truly reflect is actually showing an attitude of not reflecting through the memoir." He added, "If he is on trial, I wish he would just focus on the trial. I don't know if he wants to do politics."

There were also strong opinions expressing that they will never support the Democratic Party again. Choi, a company employee in his 20s, criticized, "Didn't the Democratic Party say it would innovate? But now, with this memoir, internal conflicts are surfacing again." He emphasized, "It seems they still haven't come to their senses. Even after a crushing defeat in the election due to hypocrisy controversies, the 'Cho Kuk incident' scandal is erupting again. I think it's better to withdraw support."

Former Minister Cho's Memoir 'The Time of Cho Kuk: Unspoken Thoughts of Pain and Truth'

While critical opinions are emerging among the youth, the political sphere is engaged in heated debate over 'The Time of Cho Kuk.' In particular, various opinions are being expressed regarding Song Young-gil's apology for the 'Cho Kuk incident.'

On the 2nd, at a public opinion listening report meeting, Song stated regarding the 'Cho Kuk incident,' "I apologize once again for failing to understand the hurt feelings of the people and the youth." He emphasized, "Apart from the legal issues concerning former Minister Cho Kuk, the problems related to his children's college admissions are issues we ourselves need to reflect on."

He continued, "Even if the system of getting internships through good universities, good positions, and networks, and building resumes through reciprocal favors is not necessarily illegal, it was a source of frustration and disappointment for countless young people who could not even access such a system." This marks the second time the Democratic Party leadership has apologized for the Cho Kuk incident, following then-leader Lee Hae-chan in October 2019.

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds a press conference at the party leader's office in the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Following the news of Song's apology, posts appeared on the Democratic Party members' bulletin board saying, "Why apologize? Please listen to the party members." Another member expressed refusal to accept Song's apology, saying, "We should impeach Song Young-gil. Apologizing for former Minister Cho Kuk? At this time? Let's impeach him."

Meanwhile, the opposition party immediately issued critical statements. Kim Ye-ryeong, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a statement, "Except for the public apology by former leader Lee Hae-chan, who was forced to apologize due to the Cho Kuk incident, we remember no sincere apology or deep reflection from this administration over the past four years." She criticized, "Song's belated apology, made almost two months after confirming public sentiment through the April 7 by-elections, was also soulless."

Regarding Song's comment that he understands former Minister Cho Kuk's memoir 'The Time of Cho Kuk' as a 'statement of rebuttal,' she criticized, "It is nothing more or less than a continuation of self-justification and sophistry, with phrases like 'heartbreaking,' 'political scapegoat,' and 'exiled sinner.'"

Ahn Hye-jin, spokesperson for the People's Party, also criticized the Democratic Party's apology, saying, "An apology with 'conditional options' is not a genuine apology. It would have seemed more sincere if they had first sternly told former Minister Cho Kuk to 'restrain himself,' rather than holding a cautious, showy press conference."