"Not Honest" Over the Doenjang Jjigae Photo Controversy
Signaling a Deal with the Democratic Party Over Election Positions
Former Representative Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party was released on the 15th under the special pardon and reinstatement measures for Liberation Day and is leaving the Southern Seoul Detention Center in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Jin Joongkwon, Special Professor at Kwangwoon University, criticized former Cho Kuk Innovation Party Representative Cho Kuk's actions following his pardon, stating, "Far from self-reflection, he is behaving like a triumphant general." Regarding a photo of doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) recently posted by Cho on social media, Jin commented, "He dined at a high-end Korean beef restaurant but posted a photo of doenjang jjigae to pretend to be an ordinary citizen."
On August 19, Professor Jin made these remarks during his appearance on Sisa Journal TV's "Sisa Kkeutjang." He said, "If you ate meat, just honestly post that you ate meat. But instead, he chose to post a photo of the doenjang jjigae he had at the end of the meal," adding, "It's an act of pretending to be a commoner."
He continued, "It makes me wonder, 'Can’t he even eat a meal honestly?' There is always a gap between one's real life and the image projected to the public," he said.
Jin also pointed out that Cho Kuk immediately announced his intention to run in local and National Assembly by-elections right after his pardon. Jin stated, "Far from self-reflection, he came out like a conquering hero and immediately presented himself as a champion of justice with a political plan. He put forward four options-Seoul Mayor, Busan Mayor, Incheon Gyeyang-eul, and Asan in South Chungcheong Province-essentially signaling to the Democratic Party that he wants to negotiate. It’s a message for the Democratic Party to coordinate among themselves," he argued.
He also claimed that Cho Kuk is instilling a false narrative among his supporters, portraying them as "psychological victims." Jin argued that crimes such as document forgery are considered among the most egregious in the legal field, yet Cho has not requested a retrial, while his supporters are spreading false information.
Professor Jin said, "Cho Kuk is not someone who will remain quiet. Although he has been judged by the judiciary, he claims he is innocent and will only attack former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former Representative Han Donghoon. The more he does this, the more the public will respond, 'Even if Yoon Suk Yeol did wrong, that doesn't mean Cho Kuk did right.' In the end, this will become 'Cho Kuk Scandal 2,'" he predicted.
He especially forecast strong backlash from the younger generation. He said, "The 2030 generation is most sensitive to procedural fairness. The 'Cho Kuk Scandal' touched on that issue. If Cho Kuk becomes active again, the Democratic Party will inevitably be put in a difficult position. It will also put pressure on their approval ratings," he warned.
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