Former Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk, who was released on the 15th under the 'Special pardon for Liberation Day,' expressed his deep gratitude to President Lee Jae-myung for making a constitutional decision and stated, "I also listen respectfully to those who have criticized my pardon."
Former leader Cho was released at 12 a.m. that day and made the remarks to reporters shortly after being released from the Seoul Southern Correctional Institution around 12:02 a.m.
Dressed in a blue jacket with a blue tie and jeans, former leader Cho stated, "Today's pardon, reinstatement, and release will be recorded as a symbolic moment marking the end of the judicial dictatorship that has abused prosecutorial power."
Former leader Cho noted, "The Rebuilding Korea Party has been fighting against the Yoon Suk-yeol administration since its founding, advocating for an early end to the judicial dictatorship regime. The Yoon Suk-yeol faction has committed unconstitutional acts likened to insurrection but has been repelled by the people."
He continued, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is the result of the struggles and resistance of the people and an embodiment of the exercise of popular sovereignty. The Lee Jae-myung administration must succeed, and President Lee must become a successful president."
Former leader Cho stated, "The People Power Party, which still cannot sever ties with Yoon Suk-yeol and protects him, must be judged once again. The democratic progressive camp must unite and tighten its solidarity even more. I will contribute, albeit modestly."
He added, "Now that I have found freedom, I will dedicate myself to these two tasks" and continued, "I have engaged in deep reflection and broad planning during my eight months here," stating, "Once the reinstatement is completed, I will approach the people with a more humble attitude and in a lower posture."
Former leader Cho said, "I have missed you all, members and comrades," and noted, "I will accept all criticisms, opposition, and slander against me while engaging in politics."
On the 11th, in celebration of Liberation Day, the government announced the first group of special pardons under President Lee Jae-myung, which included former leader Cho, along with former lawmakers Choi Kang-wook and Yoon Mi-hyang, former Superintendent of Education Cho Hee-yeon, Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Geon-young, former Senior Secretary to the President Baek Won-woo, former Minister of Environment Kim Eun-kyung, and former Vice Minister of Justice Lee Yong-gu.
Accordingly, former leader Cho, who had received a two-year prison sentence for charges including entrance exam fraud for his child and covering up the inspection of the Blue House, was released about eight months into his detention. He was originally set to be released in December next year, with more than a year remaining in his sentence.
He had initially been deprived of his eligibility to run for office for five years until December 2031 after serving his sentence, but this reinstatement has restored his eligibility, eliminating restrictions on his political activities.