Former leader Cho Kuk of the National Innovation Party is greeting Kim Sunmin, acting party leader, as he is released on August 15 from the Southern Seoul Detention Center in Guro-gu, Seoul, under a special pardon and reinstatement for Liberation Day. Photo by Yonhap News
On August 15, Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, welcomed the release of former National Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk under the special Liberation Day pardon, stating, "I sincerely welcome and congratulate you."
On his Facebook page that day, Jeong said, "Please take care of your health and smoothly adapt and recover as you return to your daily life in freedom." He added, "Let's meet soon and have many conversations."
Former leader Cho Kuk was included in the first special pardon granted since President Lee Jaemyung took office, and was released from the Seoul Southern Correctional Institution as of midnight that day. Cho, who was sentenced to two years in prison in December last year after being found guilty of charges including admissions fraud involving his children and the cover-up of a Blue House inspection, was released after about eight months in custody.
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the launch ceremony and first meeting of the Special Committee on Media Reform held at the National Assembly on August 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Immediately after his release, Cho Kuk stated, "I express my deep gratitude to President Lee Jaemyung for making a constitutional decision," and added, "I also respect and will listen to the opinions of those who criticized the pardon." He further commented, "The Yoon Sukyeol administration is a force that has threatened the Constitution," and said, "The People Power Party, which has failed to break away from Yoon Sukyeol, must be judged again."
Regarding the Lee Jaemyung administration, he said, "This is the result of the people's struggle and an exercise of sovereignty," expressing his wishes for the administration's success. He also called on the democratic and progressive camps to "unite and stand in solidarity even more," declaring, "Now that I have regained my freedom, I will devote all my energy to these two tasks." He also expressed his intention to return to politics, stating, "I have spent time in deep reflection, and if my party membership is restored, I will humbly return to the people." He added, "I will accept all criticism, opposition, and slander directed at me as I engage in politics."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
