Jin Joong-kwon: "Choi Kang-wook Seems to Run... Will Watch What Tricks the Democratic Party Uses"

"Resignation statement is closer to a candidacy declaration, not a reflection," criticism
"Destroying social fairness and justice... taking public office as a price," condemnation

Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon commented on the resignation of Choi Kang-wook, Secretary for Public Office Discipline at the Blue House, who was indicted on charges related to the admission scandal involving the children of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk. Choi announced his resignation on the 16th, and Jin remarked, "Judging by the timing of the resignation, it seems he is planning to run for office."

On the 17th, Jin wrote on his Facebook, "The resignation statement is closer to a declaration of candidacy than a letter of apology."

He added, "There are already talks that the pro-Moon faction will place him high on the proportional representation list," and said, "Originally, the Democratic Party would expel or dismiss members once indicted."

He continued, "Governor Lee Jae-myung avoided expulsion or dismissal but, as far as I remember, his party membership was suspended until the trial concluded," explaining, "Without party membership, it is impossible to run as a proportional representation candidate for the party."

He criticized, "(However) Choi Kang-wook is already indicted. Unlike Lee Jae-myung's case, the nature of his crime is very serious," and said, "He has destroyed social fairness and justice and secured a public office as a reward."

He further stated, "I don't know if he is a party member, but if he is, his membership should have been suspended long ago," and pointed out, "If he is not a member, the party should not accept him at all until the trial ends."

Finally, he added, "The Democratic Party people have long abandoned principles and justification, so let's watch what tricks they will use to make Choi Kang-wook a lawmaker."

The prosecution indicted Choi Kang-wook, Secretary for Public Discipline at the Blue House, without detention on January 23 on charges of obstruction of business, suspected of falsifying an internship certificate for the son of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk.
Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Secretary Choi posted a message titled "Resignation Statement" on his Facebook, saying, "Reflecting repeatedly on the history of the Republic of Korea and the Moon Jae-in administration, I am now returning to my original place." He explained the reason for his resignation, saying, "I thought it was time to no longer burden the President inside the Blue House."

Regarding the prosecution's indictment, he stated, "I unexpectedly faced a 'snap indictment' situation and am now facing a criminal trial." He added, "The uprising of certain forces trying to go against the will of the candlelight citizens has reached a point where they do not hesitate to stab even the President. This is something that cannot be overlooked."

Meanwhile, Secretary Choi was brought to trial in October 2017 on charges of issuing a false internship certificate to the son of former Minister Cho Kuk while working as a lawyer at the law firm Cheongmaek.

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