Letter Sent from Prison... Cho Kuk "Everything Is Unfamiliar but Calmly..."

Former Representative of the Joseon Innovation Party Cho Kuk's Prison Letter Released
"There Aren't Many Things I Can Do in Prison"
"Please Fill the Void Left by Cho Kuk"

Former leader of the Joguk Innovation Party, Jo Guk, sent a prison letter to party members. Jo said, "Everything is unfamiliar and uncomfortable, but I am trying to accept it calmly and adapt," and asked them to "fill the 'absence of Jo Guk'."

Hwang Hyun-seon, Secretary General of the Joguk Innovation Party, delivered Jo's prison message on the 17th through social networking services (SNS). The message was written based on what was orally conveyed during a lawyer visit.

In the message, Jo said, "Thank you deeply for seeing me off on the cold morning of the 16th," and added, "I am sorry for not being able to greet each person individually before coming in. I have kept in my heart the faces of those who gave passionate support and encouragement, those who burst into tears they had held back."

Yonhap News

He shared about his life, saying, "Sleeping on a blanket, my shoulders and back ached, and cold drafts came in, so I had to cover my head with a blanket, but I slept well on the first night yesterday."

Jo mentioned the series of events including the founding of the Joguk Innovation Party and the National Assembly's resolution to impeach President Yoon Seok-yeol, reflecting, "It was a series of miracles," and "It was a great joy and a warm emotion."

He urged party members to "start again" and to make renewed efforts.

He said, "The Constitutional Court's decision will take about two months, followed by the presidential election 60 days later," and warned, "The 'ringleader of the rebellion' and the coup conspirators will stop at nothing to oppose the Constitutional Court's decision and investigations." He continued, "The 'rebel accomplice party' will not quietly give up power," and requested, "There is not much I can do here. Everyone, please work harder in my place."

He also asked them to take the lead in prosecutorial reform, regime change, and social reform.

Jo stated, "The ringleader of the rebellion and his group have been defeated and will face strict punishment," and "The rebel accomplice party will also be judged. The people will win again." He added, "The Innovation Party will continue to advance," and "I will live with the humblest heart in the lowest place."