Joo Jinwoo Slams Cho Kuk's Remarks on "Far-Right Shift" Among Young Men
"Youth Outraged by College Admissions Scandal"
Cho Kuk, head of the Policy Research Institute of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, claimed that "the 2030 generation is showing tendencies similar to those in their 70s," arguing that the younger generation is becoming "radicalized." In response, Rep. Joo Jinwoo of the People Power Party strongly criticized Cho, asserting that Cho is scapegoating young people to cover up his own wrongdoings.
Cho Kuk, head of the Policy Research Institute of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, is paying respects at the burial site of former President Kim Daejung in the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News
On August 23, Rep. Joo wrote on Facebook, "He truly knows no shame," and added, "Don't disparage decent young people under the guise of self-criticism."
He continued, "The 2030 generation was outraged by the unfair college admissions scandal committed by Cho Kuk and his wife," and pointed out, "They were disgusted by Cho's hypocrisy, pretending to be upright and affluent." He further stated, "People are appalled by the sense of privilege that allows someone to be pardoned without paying for their crimes," and directly criticized Cho by saying, "You yourself are in your 60s, so stop acting like an old-fashioned elder by carelessly commenting on the tendencies of those in their 70s."
He concluded, "The public is furious about your pardon, so please just keep your mouth shut."
Rep. Joo Jinwoo of the People Power Party strongly opposed the remarks made by Cho Kuk, head of the Innovation Policy Research Institute of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, regarding the "radicalization of the 2030 generation." Yonhap News
Previously, on an MBC radio interview the day before, Cho Kuk was asked about the political tendencies of men in their 20s and 30s. He responded, "Isn't the 2030 generation showing tendencies similar to those in their 70s?" and added, "The radicalization of young people amid anxiety about the future is a global phenomenon, which is different from simply having conservative tendencies." He went on to say, "They are showing so-called far-right tendencies. It's very concerning."
Cho Kuk was released on August 15 through a special Liberation Day pardon. He had been sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in his child's college admissions scandal and for covering up special inspections at the Blue House, and had been serving his sentence since December last year. He was originally scheduled to be released in December next year, but with this pardon, his sentence was waived and he is now able to resume political activities. His eligibility to run for office, which had been restricted for five years after the completion of his sentence, was also restored.
On the day of his release, Cho Kuk stated, "My pardon, reinstatement, and release today will be recorded as a symbolic moment marking the end of the prosecution's dictatorship, which has long abused its authority."
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