Won Hee-ryong: "Cho Kuk intoxicated by power, stop it and return to the old days"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Former Jeju Governor and People Power Party presidential candidate Won Heeryong criticized former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, saying he "has changed after being intoxicated by power" and urged him to "return to the old Cho Kuk."

Won, who was a classmate of Cho Kuk at Seoul National University Law School (class of '82), said in an interview on the YTN radio program "Lee Donghyung's News Face-off" on the 24th that Busan National University's decision to cancel Cho's daughter's admission to the medical school was "a just outcome."

Won stated, "Considering Cho's behavior after entering the center of power and the stories coming out, I wondered if Cho was really that kind of person, if power corrupts people like that, or if it simply reveals the hidden desire for power," adding, "He is a problematic figure who makes one deeply contemplate power and humanity."

He continued, "Before going to the center of power, Cho was actually very open and a pleasant person to talk to. We exchanged good feelings with each other," and said, "A year ago, I sent a message saying, 'Please stop and return to the old Cho Kuk.' I want to say the same thing now. Our friend Cho Kuk seems intoxicated by power, but I hope he wakes up from it."

He also emphasized, "The Moon Jae-in administration promised fairness, but it betrayed that fairness head-on and even provoked emotional anger among the people. This is the very cause, and although this will lead to issues regarding the medical license of Cho's daughter, we must show that justice still lives."

Earlier, Busan National University announced the cancellation of Cho's daughter's admission to the medical school.

Busan National University stated that the major achievements listed in the admission documents, such as the controversial certificate of commendation from Dongyang University’s president, were not factors for acceptance. However, based on the 2015 freshman recruitment guidelines stating that if the submitted documents contain false information, the applicant will be disqualified, the university decided to cancel the admission.

This decision is a preliminary administrative action during academic administration procedures. The school will proceed with follow-up procedures under the Administrative Procedures Act over the next 2 to 3 months before finalizing the decision. If the cancellation is confirmed, Hanil Hospital of the Korea Electric Power Medical Foundation, where Cho's daughter is currently undergoing an internship, will decide whether to continue her internship.

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