Former Leader Cho Kuk: "It's Cold but Spring Will Come" Detained at Seoul Detention Center on the 16th

Jokuk "Humbly Accepts Supreme Court Ruling"

Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Former leader of the Joguk Innovation Party, Cho Guk, who was sentenced to 2 years in prison, stated on the 16th as he was incarcerated, "We must devote all efforts to regime change." Cho was indicted on charges including his children's admission fraud and covering up Blue House inspections, and his sentence was finalized by the Supreme Court.

On the morning of the same day, in front of the main gate of Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi Province, Cho told reporters, "As a former party leader, I urge the Joguk Innovation Party. We must stop the People Power Party, the accomplice of the insurrection, from maintaining power even if the sky splits in two." He added, "After regime change, the 7th Republic should advance to a social welfare advanced country," and said, "Although the weather is cold, spring will come. I will strengthen my body and mind through reading, exercise, and reflection."

Previously, Cho was indicted in December 2019 on charges including forgery and use of private documents, obstruction of business, and violation of the Anti-Graft Act. On the 12th of this month, five years later, the Supreme Court upheld the original sentence of 2 years imprisonment, and he was incarcerated that day. Cho also called for prosecutorial reform. He said, "The prosecutorial coup that began after I was nominated as Minister of Justice in 2019 ended with the impeachment of Yoon Seok-yeol. It was truly a long time of pain and trial," adding, "However, amidst harsh hardships, the cause of prosecutorial reform and Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment gained wider consensus, which comforted me." He continued, "What remains now is the dismantling of the prosecution," emphasizing, "The Joguk Innovation Party has submitted four prosecutorial reform bills to the National Assembly. I earnestly ask for their prompt handling in the Assembly."

Regarding the confirmation of his prison sentence, Cho stated, "I do not agree with the factual findings and legal application of the court's ruling, but I humbly accept the Supreme Court's decision." He added, "I have come here to fulfill my duties as a citizen who abides by national law," and said, "During my time in detention, I will deeply reflect on my flaws and limitations. Through reading, exercise, and reflection, I will strengthen my body and mind." He also told supporters gathered in front of the detention center, "Please do not cry and send me off brightly," and said, "The weather is cold, but spring will come."

On that day, about 200 supporters of Cho gathered in front of the main gate of Seoul Detention Center from 8 a.m. to see him off. They repeatedly waved placards reading "We are Joguk," and "We will protect Joguk. The nation should protect its people," loudly chanting Cho's name. Before making his statement, Cho greeted the supporters by bowing and shaking hands.