[Comprehensive] "Dedicated to Candlelight Citizens" Jo Guk Announces Memoir Release... Opposition Party Calls It "Another Deception of the People"

Cho Kuk Announces Release of Book 'Cho Kuk's Time'
"Met Misfortune Like a Sudden Thunderbolt While Fulfilling My Mission... I Will Walk Quietly"

Book 'The Time of Joguk'. Photo by Former Minister of Justice Joguk's Facebook screen capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk announced the publication of his autobiography on the 1st of next month, while the People Power Party criticized on the 27th, saying, "Despite the trial, he is staging a national deception by claiming he is wronged." Cho's new book is a memoir that organizes a series of events that occurred after he was nominated as Minister of Justice in August 2019.

Earlier, Cho announced the publication of his book 'The Time of Cho Kuk' through his Facebook, saying, "I have spent a long time in reflection and self-restraint and have cautiously prepared the book."

He said, "After revealing the facts I wanted to disclose and expressing the words I had kept in my heart, I feel much lighter," and added, "I dedicate this book to the candlelight citizens."

Additionally, Cho posted a lengthy message related to the book in the form of a card news. He said, "When my heart feels heavy, I sometimes wait for darkness to fall on the streets to breathe the night air. I gain strength when I meet citizens who recognize and support me, but I also encounter people who suddenly approach and curse at me. This is my daily reality," and apologized, "I once again apologize for causing national division regardless of the reason."

He continued, "False information spread overwhelmingly by the cartel of prosecutors, media, and conservative opposition parties is circulating. Although I am still undergoing trial, I thought I must provide at least a minimal explanation before it is too late," and added, "I decided to record the history of the pain I have experienced from my perspective."

He also said, "Writing this was difficult. The situations and emotions from that time resurfaced. It felt like dipping a pen in the blood of my family and writing," but emphasized, "However, I endured and wrote. I wanted to reveal the truth."

Furthermore, Cho said, "After the April 7 by-election, I was politically summoned again. The 'Everything leads to Cho Kuk' frame has not ended," and added, "Some within the ruling party also blame the election defeat on 'Cho Kuk.' As a former high-ranking official, I will take unlimited political and moral responsibility. I hope they step on me and move forward."

Finally, he said, "I dedicate this book to millions of candlelight citizens. The historic tasks such as the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the adjustment of investigative rights between the police and prosecutors were achieved thanks to you," and added, "Although I faced misfortune like a bolt from the blue while fulfilling my mission, I was able to survive without dying because of your support. There is still a rough road ahead, but I will walk quietly and keep walking."

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, the People Power Party raised their voices against former Minister Cho, saying, "He is trying to stage another national deception."

Hwang Kyuhwan, the full-time deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party, issued a verbal comment that day, saying, "Cho blamed the media and opposition parties as reasons for publishing," and criticized, "If he feels so wronged and confident, he should accept the judgment of the law."

He continued, "The shamelessness and national deception of Cho, who shows no remorse until the end, does not say sorry, and rather boldly publishes a book, seem like a miniature version of this administration," and emphasized, "The unfairness and injustice shown by Cho are nothing but a bad fireplay that must disappear forever in the Republic of Korea."

Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party, also criticized the introduction of former Minister Cho's new book titled 'The Spark Has Not Yet Gone Out!' by saying, "Then you will wet yourself at night."

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