"I accept criticism of hypocrisy... I will reflect on my words and actions"
"I feel especially sorry for young people"
On the 'Democratic Party merger proposal': "We will differentiate ourselves as an independent brand"
Cho Kuk, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Cho Kuk, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, has apologized to the public for his child's college admissions scandal. This is the first time that Chairman Cho has made an official apology since being released through a Liberation Day special pardon after receiving a two-year prison sentence for admissions-related corruption.
On the 10th, in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo, Chairman Cho stated, "I reflect on and apologize for my child's admissions scandal," adding, "I feel especially sorry for the young people who did not have the advantage of parental connections." Regarding criticism that he acted hypocritically, he said, "Because this was due to my own words and actions, I accept the criticism and will reflect on myself," reiterating his apology.
He also addressed sexual misconduct cases within the party. Chairman Cho said, "Although it is late, I will fix the barn after losing the cow. I should have met the victims sooner, and I apologize for neglecting to consider their feelings."
Regarding the 'merger proposal' raised by some members of the Democratic Party, he said, "The Democratic Party is a large corporation, and we are a startup. It is unreasonable to suggest merging without discussion. We will differentiate ourselves as an independent brand, not as a second-tier group under the Democratic Party." He continued, "Former President Kim Youngsam once said you have to enter the tiger's den to catch the tiger, but I will improve my skills as a hunter and catch the tiger from outside the den," drawing a clear line.
Finally, regarding next year's local elections, he said, "We are in contact with potential candidates for local government heads in the Honam region, and we also plan to field candidates in Yeongnam, after which we will pursue a unified candidacy with the Democratic Party."
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