Released Under Liberation Day Special Pardon, Sentence Waived and Candidacy Rights Restored
Calls for Unity in the Democratic Camp While Criticizing Prosecution's Dictatorship
At midnight on the 15th, Cho Kuk, former leader of the National Innovation Party, who was released under the special Liberation Day pardon, shared his thoughts after his release, stating, "Today's pardon, reinstatement, and release will be recorded as one of the symbolic moments marking the end of the prosecution's dictatorship, which has long abused its authority."
Former Representative Cho Kuk of the National Innovation Party is greeting Kim Sunmin, Acting Party Leader, as he is released from the Southern Seoul Detention Center in Guro-gu, Seoul, on the 15th under the special pardon and reinstatement measures for Liberation Day. Photo by Yonhap News
Appearing in front of the main gate of Seoul Nambu Detention Center at around 12:02 a.m., Cho was dressed in a black jacket, blue tie, and jeans. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "I deeply thank President Lee Jaemyung for making this constitutional decision." He added, "I also respect and will listen to those who have criticized the pardon."
He went on to strongly criticize the current administration, stating, "The Yoon Sukyeol administration is a force that has threatened the Constitution," and added, "The People Power Party, which has failed to break away from Yoon Sukyeol, must be judged again."
In contrast, regarding the Lee Jaemyung administration, he described it as "the result of the people's struggle and an exercise of sovereignty," and wished for the administration's success. He also called on the democratic and progressive camps to "unite and stand together even more," declaring, "Now that I have regained my freedom, I will devote all my efforts to these two tasks."
With this pardon and reinstatement, Cho made it clear that he intends to return to politics. He said, "I have spent time in deep reflection, and if my party membership is restored, I will humbly return to the people," signaling his future political activities. He also stated, "I will accept all criticism, opposition, and slander directed at me as I engage in politics."
Former leader of the Party for National Innovation, Cho Kuk, is greeting supporters as he is released on August 15 from the Southern Seoul Detention Center in Guro-gu, Seoul, under the special pardon and reinstatement for Liberation Day. Photo by Yonhap News
At the scene of Cho's release, all members of the National Innovation Party and numerous supporters gathered, chanting his name and welcoming him. Choi Kangwook, former lawmaker from the Democratic Party, who was also included in the pardon list, appeared at the scene as well.
Cho was released after 242 days in detention. He had been sentenced to two years in prison on charges related to his children's college admissions irregularities and the cover-up of a presidential office inspection, and was incarcerated in December of last year. He was originally scheduled to be released in December of next year, but with this pardon, the remainder of his sentence was waived, making it possible for him to resume political activities. His eligibility to run for office, which had been restricted for five years after the completion of his sentence, has also been restored.
After a brief rest at home, Cho is expected to embark on a nationwide tour, including visits to Bongha Village and Pyeongsan Village.
On August 11, the government announced the list of those granted special Liberation Day pardons, which included a large number of ruling party figures, including Cho. In response, the People Power Party and the Reform Party strongly objected, stating, "It is inappropriate to pardon individuals with more than one year remaining on their sentences." Both parties decided to boycott the presidential public appointment ceremony scheduled for later that afternoon in protest.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
