Cho Kuk, Park Ji-hyun Apologize for 'Admission Corruption' Demands: "I Apologize Hundreds of Times... Yoon Government Should Be Judged by the Same Standard"

Democratic Party Co-Chair Park Ji-hyun urged former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk to apologize.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk to apologize, saying, "To deal with corrupt candidates in the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, we must confess and reflect on our own mistakes that caused similar problems." In response, former Minister Cho said, "I will apologize hundreds of times," but also requested, "Please verify high-ranking officials of the Yoon Seok-yeol government according to the standards of investigation, prosecution, and judgment applied to my family."

In her opening remarks at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 25th, Co-chair Park said, "Since the Supreme Court ruled that the certificate of commendation from Dongyang University and six internship confirmation letters were false, former Minister Cho and former Dongyang University professor Jung Kyung-shim (his spouse) should apologize," adding, "When we apologize and reflect first, we can demand reflection and remorse from the other side as well. I ask former Minister Cho and former Professor Jung to express sincere positions regarding the Supreme Court ruling."

She pointed out that the issue of former Minister Cho should not be overlooked to criticize the People Power Party. Regarding the Supreme Court ruling, Co-chair Park said, "I do not think this ruling is absolutely fair. I also feel sorry for the situation faced by former Minister Cho’s family due to biased prosecution investigations." However, she added, "Some people are uncomfortable with publicizing the issue of former Minister Cho. But if we want to rightfully criticize the People Power Party, we cannot overlook it. Excessive targeted investigations by the prosecution and excessive sentencing by the courts cannot cover up admission corruption."

Co-chair Park criticized the Yoon Seok-yeol government’s cabinet formation, saying, "It seems it should be called a 'double standard' cabinet. The 18 ministerial candidates are like a parade of unfair and illegal corruption," and pointed out, "It is almost impossible to find a normal candidate. Even Han Dong-hoon (Minister of Justice), who pretended to be flawless alone, is embroiled in allegations of illegal gift transfers using 'mom’s chance' and his wife’s false address registration."

She continued, "The Democratic Party will not only thoroughly verify candidates but also act with the determination to save the country in crisis," and criticized, "Young people nationwide are angry about 'dad’s chance' and are questioning the fairness of the Yoon Seok-yeol government. We strongly demand the voluntary resignation of Jeong Ho-young (Minister of Health and Welfare), who is accused of admission corruption and military exemption for his son, and Kim In-cheol (Minister of Education), who paid 100 million won to his daughter."

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk said at a book talk for his book Advanced Borrowing Nation, held at 3 p.m. on the 5th, "Not only myself but my entire family is going through a state of trial and hardship." Photo by Medici Media YouTube capture [Image source=Yonhap News]

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On the same day, former Minister Cho expressed his position regarding Co-chair Park’s call for an apology. Through his Facebook, he said, "Since Professor Jung is currently detained and communication is difficult, I will respond," and began, "I have apologized to the public several times during the press conference and confirmation hearings held while I was a ministerial candidate."

Former Minister Cho said, "I have expressed similar apologies several times during the general election and presidential election processes," and added, "Once again, although I have serious disagreements with the facts and legal judgments of the Supreme Court ruling, I respect and accept the ruling with a heavy heart."

He said, "I apologize to those who did not have the opportunity for internships or experiential activities provided by professor parents, unlike my family. If you ask me to apologize again, I will apologize hundreds of times," but added, "However, I hope that high-ranking officials of the Yoon Seok-yeol government will be verified according to the standards of investigation, prosecution, and judgment applied to my family’s case."

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