"The People Will Fill the 'Absence of Joguk'"
Former leader of the Joguk Innovation Party, Cho Kuk, greeted the public through his social media (SNS) one day before his imprisonment.
On the 14th, at a rally urging the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol held in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Jo Guk, former leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, is greeting after finishing his speech. Photo by Yonhap News.
On the 15th, Cho posted on Facebook a 4.10 general election poster with the phrase "Three years is too long," saying, "After first stating 'Three years is too long' on February 19th at News Factory, the impeachment motion was passed in the National Assembly 299 days later. Thanks to the people, this pledge is being realized."
He continued, "In 2019, I accepted the position of Minister of Justice to serve as a spark for prosecutorial reform, and this year, I founded the Joguk Innovation Party to become a spark for dismantling the prosecution (separating investigation and prosecution) and impeaching Yoon Seok-yeol." He emphasized, "Now I will pause for a while," and greeted, "I will take care of my health and return after deep reflection." He added, "I believe that party members and the public will fill the 'absence of Cho Kuk.'"
On the 12th, Cho was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court on charges including 'admission fraud involving his children' and 'cover-up of Blue House inspection,' resulting in the loss of his parliamentary seat. With his request for a stay of sentence execution approved, Cho is scheduled to be imprisoned at Seoul Detention Center on the 16th. After completing related procedures at the detention center, he is expected to be transferred to Anyang Prison.
Former leader of the National Innovation Party, Jo Guk, left a farewell letter expressing gratitude on the 15th, one day before his imprisonment, saying, "Three years is a long time." He stated that he was able to fulfill the election pledge thanks to the party members and the people after 299 days. Photo by Jo Guk, former leader of the National Innovation Party, Facebook
Cho's scheduled release date is December 15, 2026. However, if measures such as a pardon are taken, the release date could be moved earlier. Also, since Cho has been deprived of his eligibility to run for office (for five years after release or five years after a pardon), he must be reinstated to run in the 23rd general election in April 2028.
Meanwhile, after the reality of the 'Joguk Innovation Party without Cho Kuk,' the party is focusing on consolidating internally by highlighting its role during the impeachment phase. Kim Seon-min, acting leader of the Joguk Innovation Party, held a press conference and emphasized, "The Joguk Innovation Party braved ridicule and criticism to shout 'Three years is too long,' and the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol was also based on the Joguk Innovation Party's draft."
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