Former Leader Cho Kuk’s Prison Letter: “Farewell, My Friend Choi Hongyeop”

Choi Hongyeop, Co-Chairman of the Gwangju Environmental Movement Association, Passes Away After Chronic Illness
"A Life That Chose Autonomy Over Politics, Listening Over Oratory"

Choi Hongyeop, co-chairman of the Gwangju Environmental Movement Association, a labor law expert and dedicated advocate for local environmental and human rights causes, passed away on July 8 due to a chronic illness. He was 61 years old. The funeral was held on the morning of July 10 at the Chosun University Hospital Funeral Hall.

Former Jo Guk Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk expressed his shock and condolences upon hearing the news of his long-time friend's passing through a letter written while incarcerated. He wrote, "I learned of your passing from the morning newspaper delivered during my time in prison. I was so shocked that I could not think or do anything," adding, "Since I am unable to visit the funeral, I paid my respects here, bowing in the direction of Gwangju."

A prison letter written by former Jo Guk, former leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, mourning the late Hongyeop Choi, co-chairman of the Gwangju Environmental Movement Association, while incarcerated. Provided by Jo Guk Innovation Party.

Cho and the late Choi had known each other since their university days. Cho remembered Choi as "a friend who encouraged me, someone straightforward, to look around me," and "the friend who invited me to Gwangju and introduced me to Toha-jeot for the first time." He described Choi as "someone who valued autonomy over politics, and always stood with those at the bottom rather than the top."

Choi Hongyeop served as a professor in the Department of Law at Chosun University, an arbitrator for the Jeonnam Regional Labor Relations Commission, a research commissioner for Supreme Court precedents, and head of the Gwangju Energy Transition Network. Since 2008, he had been active as an executive member of the Gwangju Environmental Movement Association, contributing to the development of local environmental movements. He also established the "Choi Hongyeop Fund" to support civil society activists and consistently backed grassroots efforts. He was dedicated to advancing the rights of vulnerable workers, including migrant laborers.

In his letter, Cho Kuk wrote, "I will never forget the comfort and encouragement you offered me in a calm and warm voice during my hardships." He also remembered Choi as someone who quietly pointed out what he had missed and a friend who encouraged him to reflect.

Cho Kuk called the late Choi "the salt of the earth, a zelkova tree in the neighborhood." He concluded his letter by saying, "I will keep your spirit and intentions in mind, so please rest in peace."

"When I regain my freedom, I will visit your grave in Damyang and offer you a drink."