Song Young-gil "Deeply Reflects" and Apologizes... Jeong Cheong-rae Says "Cho Kuk Is a Victim of Prosecutorial Reform"

"Youth Feelings Overlooked" Ruling Party Apologizes for 'Jokuk Incident'
Jung Cheong-rae Says "Sorry for Not Protecting Jokuk," Mixed Messages

Jeong Cheong-rae, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] On the 2nd, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, officially apologized saying he "deeply reflects" on the 'Cho Kuk incident,' while on the same day, party member Jeong Cheong-rae made a contrasting statement defending Cho by saying, "Former Minister Cho is undoubtedly a victim of prosecutorial reform."

On the 2nd, Jeong posted on his Facebook titled 'Thinking of Cho Kuk once again today,' stating, "Those who want to criticize Cho Kuk, criticize him. I also have the right to speak. I will fight together for 'Cho Kuk's right to speak.'"

Jeong continued, "However, please also criticize the ruthless prosecutorial power that former Minister Cho Kuk and his family endured. This is balance," adding, "There were an unprecedented 70 to 80 searches and seizures related to one case (so many that my memory is hazy). Before anything was confirmed, the prosecution unilaterally leaked suspicions, and the media wrote about it, resulting in character assassination of the Cho family. Was that really right? Was it justifiable?"

He said, "I have not yet read Cho Kuk's book. But I think about the hardships he must have faced. I can easily imagine it," and added, "As in the past two years, former Minister Cho Kuk may be feeling severe pain once again today."

He then addressed former Minister Cho, saying, "I am sorry I could not protect you more when you were attacked by the prosecution and the media," and said, "By reading 'Cho Kuk's Time,' I will share the weight of the pain he felt. I hope many buried truths will come to light through the book. I believe in the power of truth."

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is entering and greeting at the 'Democratic Party National Communication and Public Opinion Listening Project National Report' held on the 2nd at the National Assembly Party Leader's Meeting Room. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This post by Jeong came just a few hours after Leader Song expressed his apology. Earlier, Leader Song officially apologized for issues identified as factors in the ruling party's defeat in the April 7 by-elections, including the Cho Kuk incident and power-related sexual misconduct cases involving ruling party figures.

On the same day, Leader Song held a 'Public Report Meeting on Listening to Public Sentiment' at the National Assembly and said about the Cho Kuk incident, "Although it may not specifically violate the law to attend good universities, have good positions and connections, and mutually help each other build resumes like internships, it was a matter that caused frustration and disappointment to countless young people who could not even access such a system."

He bowed his head and said, "I apologize once again for not understanding the wounded hearts of the people and the youth." This is the second time since October 2019 that the Democratic Party leader has apologized for the Cho Kuk incident.

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