With Cho Kuk's Incarceration in Mind, Woo Sangho Also Offers "Words of Comfort"
Emphasis on the Need for a Presidential Commission for Social Reform
Kim Sunmin, acting leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, met with Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, and conveyed that "victims of political prosecution need to be restored," with particular reference to former party leader Cho Kuk, who is currently incarcerated. The Rebuilding Korea Party also emphasized the establishment of a Presidential Commission for Social Reform and the normalization of their parliamentary negotiation group.
On June 11 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, it was reported that Acting Leader Kim delivered these points during a closed-door meeting with Senior Secretary Woo. Yoon Jaegwan, spokesperson for the Rebuilding Korea Party, stated, "Senior Secretary Woo attentively listened to three main points: the establishment of the Commission for Social Reform, normalization of the parliamentary negotiation group, and the need to restore victims of political prosecution." He added, "We conveyed the will of the people and our party members on this occasion."
When asked whether "restoring victims of political prosecution" implied a pardon, Spokesperson Yoon replied, "There could be various ways to recover damages. For example, for those currently undergoing their first trial, actions may be needed regarding prosecutorial authority and indictments. For those whose sentences have been finalized, the issue of pardon and reinstatement also exists." He further explained, "Acting Leader Kim conveyed public opinion that comprehensive restoration is needed for those who have suffered from political prosecution."
Although the request was made on behalf of an unspecified number of victims, it is interpreted as being primarily aimed at former party leader Cho Kuk, who founded the Rebuilding Korea Party. Cho Kuk was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court last December on charges including admissions fraud involving his children and obstruction of a Blue House inspection, and is currently serving his sentence. His scheduled release date is December 15 next year.
Spokesperson Yoon reported that Senior Secretary Woo deeply sympathized with Acting Leader Kim's request for the restoration of victims of political prosecution. Woo also reportedly conveyed that President Lee Jaemyung remains steadfast in his commitment to prosecutorial reform.
Before the meeting was switched to a closed session, Senior Secretary Woo mentioned former party leader Cho Kuk in front of the press, saying, "We were very close, and although he is going through a difficult time now, I want to offer my words of comfort once again. During the presidential campaign, there were a number of promises made with the Rebuilding Korea Party, and while we will have to see how these can be fulfilled, my commitment to working together remains unchanged."
When Acting Leader Kim said, "I trust that the President will fully embrace public sentiment by establishing a Presidential Commission for Social Reform," and added, "I also believe a permanent consultation body involving the ruling party, opposition, and the government will soon be established," Senior Secretary Woo promised, "I will convey to President Lee the matter of establishing a presidential body for social reform, which is both a campaign pledge and part of our agreements, and ensure it proceeds without delay."
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