"I Didn't Think I'd Lose the Presidential Election... I Wanted to Protect Cho Kuk," Choi Kang-wook Shed Tears

"Day After Daughter's Admission Canceled Is Cho Kuk's Birthday"
"Korea University Proudly Announces Admission Cancellation"

On the 13th, Choi Kang-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (left), and Ahn Min-seok, also from the same party, appeared on the YouTube channel 'Lee Dong-hyung TV.' / YouTube capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Choi Kang-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, mentioned former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and his family, saying, "I want to protect these people with my life," and showed tears.

On the 13th, Representative Choi appeared on the YouTube channel 'Lee Dong-hyung TV' and discussed topics related to prosecutorial reform with fellow party member Ahn Min-seok and others.

At the end of the broadcast that day, Representative Choi said, "I have no face to show. I really did not think I would lose on March 9 (the presidential election). That day's victory was my ultimate goal, and not achieving it was very hard," adding, "However, seeing those who have not lost courage, I thought that as a politician, I should not be down, and with the determination to somehow complete the normalization of the prosecution during the Moon Jae-in administration, I have come this far."

He continued, "Personally, I wanted to wrap up this life starting March 10, but I have no choice but to continue..." and paused briefly as emotions welled up. Then, saying "Minister Cho Kuk..." he bowed his head and showed tears.

In response, Representative Ahn said, "I recently met former Minister Cho Kuk and heard various stories. He was worried about the health of former Professor Jeong Gyeong-sim (Cho Kuk’s spouse)," and added, "It is truly remarkable how former Minister Cho is enduring this situation. He is enduring it with composure." He also added, "I heard that former Professor Jeong’s health is very poor in prison, and I hope some measures will be taken."

After regaining his composure, Representative Choi continued speaking. He said, "The day after Pusan National University canceled former Minister Cho’s daughter’s admission was former Minister Cho’s birthday. However, Korea University secretly canceled her admission and then announced it the next day as if boasting," adding, "On that day, former Professor Jeong collapsed while in prison. She is now not in prison but in a hospital..." He then said, "I want to protect these people with my life..." and shed tears again.

Regarding the nomination of Han Dong-hoon as Minister of Justice by President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, Representative Choi said, "I did not expect it at all," and claimed that this appointment was intended to block the Democratic Party’s push for 'complete removal of prosecutorial investigation rights (Geomsu Wanbak)' . Representative Choi said, "Even Yoon’s core aides (Yunhaekgwan) did not know about Han’s nomination; only Jang Je-won, the chief of staff for the president-elect, knew."

He also sharply criticized the Justice Party for opposing Geomsu Wanbak. Representative Choi said, "How can they talk about justice anywhere? I really wanted to have some expectations for the Justice Party, but they show a consistent attitude regarding prosecutorial reform."

Meanwhile, Representative Choi is currently on trial for issuing a false internship certificate to former Minister Cho’s son, interfering with graduate school admissions. The first trial court sentenced Representative Choi to eight months in prison with a two-year suspended sentence. If the first trial verdict is finalized, Representative Choi will lose his seat in the National Assembly.

In addition, Representative Choi is also on trial for violating election laws by spreading false information and for defamation related to allegations of collusion between the prosecution and the media.

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