Cho Kuk Publishes "Cho Kuk's Study" from Prison
Mentions Yoo Si-min and Jin Joong-kwon
Former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, Cho Kuk, referred to author Yoo Si-min as "the most precious connection in my life" in his new book. Currently, Cho is serving a prison sentence for charges related to his child's university admissions corruption and the Blue House inspection cover-up case.
In his new book, "Cho Kuk's Study: Letters from Prison," published on July 29, Cho discussed his relationship with Yoo. He stated, "We did not have any personal interaction during our university days." He continued, "During the 2019 'Cho Kuk Incident,' Yoo Si-min defined the essence of the matter as a 'Yoon Suk-yeol coup d'etat.' I was deeply grateful to the point of tears," he said, adding, "He even invited me to his home and served me sashimi that he had prepared himself." Furthermore, Cho described Yoo as an "intellectual among intellectuals."
Cho also commented on former President Moon Jae-in's description of him as "the most painful finger." He said, "As the person responsible for personnel verification regarding the appointment of Prosecutor General Yoon Suk-yeol, I feel deeply sorry for having caused trouble to former President Moon."
Cover of the new book by former leader of the Justice Party, Cho Kuk, titled "Cho Kuk's Study: Letters Written from Prison." Kyobo Bookstore
On the other hand, Cho harshly criticized Jin Joong-kwon, a professor at Dongyang University, calling him "white noise." Professor Jin has consistently maintained a critical stance regarding the 'Cho Kuk Incident.' He is also one of the co-authors of "The Black Book of Cho Kuk (A Country We Have Never Experienced Before)," written by figures from the anti-Cho Kuk camp.
Cho stated, "When the hunt for Cho Kuk began in 2019, Professor Jin sided with the prosecution," and added, "He acted as a mouthpiece, saying exactly what the People Power Party and reactionary conservative media wanted to hear."
Regarding his new book, Cho wrote on Facebook, "Although I am imprisoned, I consider it a blessing that I can read, write, and think in the midst of silence and solitude," and added, "Even though I am confined, this is the one area where no one can interfere; it is entirely my own domain. Because of the isolated conditions, the depth and concentration of my studies have actually increased."
He continued, "There is no script in life. Unexpected misfortune occurs, and as a result, one goes through hardship," and recommended, "I encourage those who wish to know the thoughts and vision of politician Cho Kuk, as well as the anguish and aspirations of Cho Kuk as a human being before he became a politician, to read this book."
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