"Dad Chance" Still Deserves Criticism
Interpreting the Pardon as Agreement Is Wrong
Yoon Junbyung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed strong regret regarding the Liberation Day special pardon granted to Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and his wife, Chung Kyungshim, former professor at Dongyang University.
On August 16, through his social media account, Yoon stated, "The college admissions fraud committed by Cho Kuk's family, such as the so-called 'dad chance,' is deserving of criticism."
Yoon Junbyung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, shared his thoughts on the pardon of Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.
He went on to emphasize, "It is a completely different matter to interpret the pardon as forgiveness for admissions fraud," stressing that the meaning of the pardon should not be associated with the admissions scandal.
Yoon added, "Since Yoon Sukyeol inflicted even greater punishment, pardoning the Cho Kuk family is acceptable up to that point." However, he pointed out, "It is wrong to interpret the public's silence after Cho Kuk's pardon as agreement with the 'dad chance' granted to Cho Kuk's family."
Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk was released on August 15 after being imprisoned for 242 days. He had been sentenced to two years in prison for charges including admissions fraud involving his children and allegations of covering up a Blue House inspection, and was incarcerated in December of last year. He was originally scheduled for release in December of next year, but was released early due to the Liberation Day special pardon, which exempted him from serving the remainder of his sentence. As a result, his eligibility to run for public office, which had been restricted for five years following the completion of his sentence, has also been restored.
At approximately 12:02 a.m. on August 16, upon his release from Seoul Southern Detention Center in Guro District, Seoul, former leader Cho stood before reporters and stated, "My pardon, reinstatement of rights, and release will be recorded as one of the symbolic moments marking the end of the dictatorship of the prosecution, which has long abused its authority."
He also added, "I express my deep gratitude to President Lee Jaemyung for making this constitutional decision," and continued, "I am also listening with respect to those who have voiced criticism regarding my pardon."
With his political rights restored through this pardon and reinstatement, former leader Cho is expected to begin the process of rejoining his party as early as next week and to officially resume his political activities.
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