"Cho Kuk Expected to Naturally Assume Party Leadership"
Expresses Constitutional Concerns Over Democratic Party's Prosecution Reform
Recently, as the Cho Kuk Innovation Party has been marred by a sexual misconduct scandal, Kim Jongin, former Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated, "Cho Kuk, head of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party Innovation Institute, has suffered significant damage," adding, "His claim that he 'had no role because he was in prison' is nothing more than an excuse." On the 10th, during an appearance on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," Kim commented on the criticism directed at Cho for his response to the sexual misconduct incident, saying, "I hope politicians will consider the level of the public when making decisions." He continued, "Be thoroughly aware of how the general public's mindset is changing," and asserted, "The public is showing remarkable maturity, and anyone acting against this trend will never succeed."
Kim Jongin, former Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers
Regarding the leadership of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party collectively resigning on September 7 following the sexual misconduct scandal, and Cho Kuk being solely recommended as Emergency Response Committee Chairman, Kim said, "I believe the Cho Kuk Emergency Committee system will naturally be confirmed," explaining, "The Cho Kuk Innovation Party was created by Cho Kuk alone, and everything so far has been carried out by him."
On Cho's statement that "it was difficult to step up because I was serving time in prison," Kim emphasized, "That is simply a personal excuse, and it cannot resolve all the issues," adding, "I believe Cho Kuk has suffered significant damage from this incident." Furthermore, Kim stated, "After Cho Kuk becomes Emergency Committee Chairman, there will soon be another party convention, and he will once again assume the position of party leader," explaining, "Holding the local elections under Cho Kuk's leadership is part of his process of returning."
On Lee's 100th Day in Office: "Nothing Particularly Worth Evaluating"
On this day, Kim Jongin also commented on the prosecution reform being pursued by the Democratic Party of Korea, stating, "Whether or not the Prosecution Service is abolished is not important." The Democratic Party of Korea is pushing for prosecution reform, including abolishing the Prosecution Service and establishing a Prosecution Office responsible solely for indictment and maintaining public prosecution, as well as a Serious Crimes Investigation Office responsible for investigations.
President Lee Jae-myung and former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
On this, Kim pointed out, "It was not that the prosecution itself was so bad, but rather that those who became president used the prosecution to maintain their own power," adding, "It is not the system that was problematic, but rather those in power who used it for their own purposes, which is why all these issues have arisen."
He continued, "Even if a Serious Crimes Investigation Office and a Prosecution Office are established, if those in power use these agencies for their own purposes just as previous leaders did, the same problems will inevitably recur," adding, "The problem lies with those in power who exploit people within these organizations." However, Kim also noted that constitutional issues could be raised regarding prosecution reform. He said, "The words 'prosecution' and 'Prosecution Service' are clearly stated in the Constitution," expressing concern, "If a decision of unconstitutionality is made, what will happen then?" Regarding President Lee Jae-myung's first 100 days in office, Kim gave a neutral assessment. He said, "In reality, President Lee Jae-myung has made few mistakes since taking office," and added, "There is nothing particularly noteworthy to evaluate, so it would be unreasonable to attempt an evaluation."
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