Historic Presidential Pardon Marks Political Comeback
Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk made his first public appearance on August 18, 2025, visiting the National Seoul Cemetery to pay respects at the grave of former President Kim Dae-jung, just three days after his release following a special presidential pardon. This marks the beginning of what many observers expect to be a significant political comeback for one of South Korea's most controversial figures.
Dressed in a black suit, Cho visited the cemetery early in the morning and spent time at former President Kim Dae-jung's gravesite. After the visit, he expressed his gratitude to the late president and pledged to continue the legacy of democracy and human rights that Kim Dae-jung championed throughout his political career.
Political Reactions Sharply Divided
Cho Kuk was released on August 15, 2025, following President Lee Jae-myung's special Liberation Day pardon. The Supreme Court had confirmed a two-year prison sentence for charges related to academic fraud and obstruction of justice investigations, but the presidential pardon came eight months after the court's final ruling. The presidential office described the pardon as a measure aimed at political reconciliation and national unity.
Political reactions to Cho's release have been sharply divided along partisan lines. Progressive politicians have welcomed his return, calling it "a restoration of justice," while conservative opposition parties have condemned the decision as "a destruction of the rule of law." The People Power Party immediately issued a statement denouncing the pardon as "an action that nullifies judicial decisions."
Within the Korean Innovation Party, expectations are high that Cho's return will help re-establish the party's central leadership. A party official stated, "With Representative Cho's return, the policy direction that our party has been pursuing will become even clearer. We plan to announce specific plans for future political activities soon."
Future Political Activities Under Scrutiny
Attention is now focused on Cho Kuk's future political plans. There is speculation within the party that he may seek to reclaim the party leadership position. The Korean Innovation Party is currently operating under an emergency leadership committee headed by Kwon Eun-hee, but Cho's release is expected to necessitate a reorganization of the party leadership structure.
Political analysts predict that Cho's return will bring significant changes to the opposition political landscape. His relationship with the Democratic Party and his political positioning for upcoming general and presidential elections are being closely watched. Given his strong advocacy for prosecutorial reform during his tenure as Justice Minister, he is expected to resume political activities centered on judicial reform agenda.
Public reactions have also been mixed. Some citizens welcome his release, viewing him as a "political victim," while others express concern about "overturning legal judgments." In this context, how Cho Kuk will restore public trust and secure political legitimacy remains his biggest challenge moving forward.
After his cemetery visit, Cho did not reveal specific details about his additional schedule, but it is known that he will soon meet with party officials to discuss future political activities.
This article covers the same news story as reported in Korean on TrendyNews Korea.
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