Jeong Cheong-rae, the representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 15th, "I sincerely welcome and congratulate the release of former Rebuilding Korea Party representative Cho Kuk due to the special pardon on Liberation Day."
On that day, Jeong posted on Facebook, "I hope you check your health and naturally adapt and recover in your free daily life." He added, "Let's meet soon and have many conversations."
Former representative Cho was included in the first special pardon list after President Lee Jae-myung took office. He was released at midnight that day from the Seoul Southern Detention Center. Previously, former representative Cho had been sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court for charges related to college entrance exam bribery and covering up investigations by the Blue House, serving eight months in confinement.
Former representative Cho emerged from the detention center around 12:02 a.m. and met with reporters, saying, "Today's pardon and release are symbolic of the end of the prosecution's dictatorship, which has abused its power." He continued, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to President Lee Jae-myung for making this legal decision."
Regarding his future political activities, former representative Cho stated, "The progressive democratic camp must unite more and show more solidarity. I will contribute in any way I can." He added, "Once the reinstatement process is completed, I will humbly enter the hearts of the people with a lower posture and will accept all criticisms, opposition, and slander against me while engaging in politics."