Ha Tae-kyung "President Moon, Purging Prosecutors to Repay Emotional Debt to Cho Kuk?"

Ha Tae-kyung, the responsible representative of the New Conservative Party, held a press conference on the morning of the 14th at the National Assembly's Press Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, announcing his position regarding the Innovation and Integration Promotion Committee. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Heo Midam] Ha Tae-kyung, the responsible representative of the New Conservative Party, criticized President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference on the 14th, saying he "posed not as the president but as the commander defending Cho Kuk."

Ha, in a post on his Facebook page 'Ha Tae-kyung's Radio Haha' on the same day, said, "Did he purge the prosecution to repay the emotional debt he owes to Cho Kuk?" He added, "(President Moon) said that regardless of the investigation or trial results, he felt a very large emotional debt just because of the hardships Cho Kuk endured. This is a statement that gives up being the president of the Republic of Korea."

He continued, "If President Moon truly cared about the country and its people, he should have apologized for appointing Cho Kuk as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs and Minister of Justice," adding, "As president, he cannot and should not defend him. As the person with the power of appointment, President Moon should have at least instructed the prosecution to strictly investigate the Cho Kuk case."

Photo by Facebook capture of 'Hataekyung's Radio Haha'

Ha further criticized, "President Moon openly expressed his intention to defend Cho Kuk at the press conference. This is a declaration that he will act as the commander defending Cho Kuk, not as the president. Then, was the recent large-scale purge of the prosecution also to repay that emotional debt?"

He added, "President Moon came to power promising to create a fair country, but everything was revealed to be a lie because of Cho Kuk," and said, "The people have been deeply shocked and hurt. I want to ask President Moon, who says he owes an emotional debt to Cho Kuk, whether he feels any debt to the people's hearts."

Earlier that day, President Moon said at the New Year's press conference, "I want to appeal to the people. I am sorry that the appointment of former Minister Cho caused conflict and division among the people that continue to this day," but added, "However, now that the bill adjusting the investigative authority between the police and prosecution has passed, I hope we can let go of former Minister Cho."

He also said, "From now on, whether he is guilty or not should be left to the trial results, and whether you support or oppose him, I hope the conflict will end."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.