On Radio, Says "Witness Kwak Jonggeun Gave the Most Accurate Account"
Conservative commentator Cho Gabje, head of "Cho Gabje TV," interpreted former President Yoon Sukyeol's statements in court as "an admission of his drinking habits while trying to defend himself."
Former President Yoon Sukyeol attends the first trial on charges of obstruction of special official duties and abuse of authority at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on September 26. Photo by Joint Press Corps
On the 4th, during an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Cho commented on the previous day's trial regarding former President Yoon's charges related to insurrection and martial law, as well as the testimony of former Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jonggeun. Cho stated, "I believe former Commander Kwak's account is accurate." Former Commander Kwak had previously testified that, after last year's Armed Forces Day event, during a drinking session at the official residence, former President Yoon called out the names of certain politicians and said, "If you bring them here, I'll shoot them dead myself."
Cho also cited a recent interview with former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Moon Hyungbae, saying, "Former Justice Moon also said, 'Witness Kwak gave the most accurate account.' I feel the same way." He particularly pointed out the part where, in court, former President Yoon refuted Kwak's testimony by saying, "Didn't you pass around somaek (a mix of soju and beer) bomb shots at the official residence? I was too drunk to even be in my right mind." Cho remarked, "Was it necessary for the president to say he drank bomb shots? This is the first time he has personally admitted to his drinking habits."
Cho further argued, "It is possible that such an emotional reaction resulted from drinking bomb shots. There are even reports that his liver enzyme levels are six times the normal range," insisting that his drinking habits are not unrelated to the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal martial law. He went on to interpret that the combination of his feelings toward Kim Keonhee and his drinking habits led to what he described as "paroxysmal and delusional martial law."
Meanwhile, former President Yoon directly refuted former Commander Kwak's testimony in court. Yoon stated, "Armed Forces Day is like a birthday for soldiers; it was not the time to discuss national affairs. As soon as we sat down in the residential area of the official residence, didn't you start passing around somaek bomb shots? I was too drunk to be in any state to say such things." It was reported that former Commander Kwak's side testified that about ten to twenty drinks were passed around at the time.
Cho also commented, "Anyone who has served in the military knows the dangers of a gun," linking the plausibility of Yoon's alleged statement about "shooting them dead" to his military service. He added, "People who have served in the military don't use such expressions. It is often politicians who have never served who start wars."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
