"If They Say I'm Not a Citizen, I Should Change My Mind"
Cho Kuk's Remarks on Excessive Investigation Spark Controversy
Notably More Flexible Response Compared to Before
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Hong Joon-pyo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, announced on the 17th that he would change his view that the investigation into former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk was excessive. After raising the idea that the investigation into former Minister Cho was an 'over-investigation' and receiving criticism from both inside and outside the party, he ultimately took a step back. While public pressure was the primary factor, his flexible attitude shift of following rather than opposing public opinion also draws attention.
Through social media (SNS), Hong said, "I declared today that if the people say no, I will change my mind," adding, "I will not stubbornly hold on to my usual thoughts about the Cho Kuk investigation and will change them."
He stated, "A leader of a democratic country is not someone who goes against the thoughts of the people."
Earlier on the 17th, Hong engaged in a debate with Ha Tae-kyung, a People Power Party lawmaker, during the party's first presidential debate. When Ha asked, "Was the Cho Kuk investigation wrong?" Hong replied, "It was not wrong, but it was an over-investigation. There was no slaughtering investigation." In response, Ha criticized, "The idea that the head of the household must take responsibility comes from the legal consciousness in the Joseon Dynasty's Gyeongguk Daejeon," adding, "If an individual has done wrong, they must take responsibility."
Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min also criticized via SNS, saying, "This is not right," and questioned, "Wasn't the Cho Kuk case one where even his wife and brother committed illegal acts?" He added, "No matter how much Cho Kuk shouted 'I will take responsibility,' how can you overlook Jung Kyung-shim's illegal acts?" and "Cho Kuk and his wife are lawbreakers, so I cannot understand the basis of the idea that 'only one crime per household should be punished' no matter how much I think about it."
Additionally, online communities mocked Hong for defending former Minister Cho, coining new terms like 'Cho-guk-so-hong.' Even conservative groups raised issues with Hong's views on the investigation into former Minister Cho.
However, Hong's reversal of his stance is not solely due to public pressure. Throughout this presidential election, he has repeatedly shown a willingness to immediately accept criticism and issues raised against him.
For example, when he decided to recruit PD Lee Young-don, he quickly withdrew the decision amid a wave of public backlash. During the last debate, Hong also responded to comments criticizing him for referring to his wife as 'my housewife' by saying, "I will accept and consider all feedback," and added, "Even as president, I will listen to all the harsh words from the people."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
