Published : Oct. 30, 2019 - 16:22
Democratic Party Chairman Lee Hae-chan on Wednesday apologized for the Cho Kuk controversy that gripped the country for months after President Moon Jae-in tapped him as justice minister in August.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, the ruling party leader issued his first formal apology over Cho’s family corruption scandal that erupted following his Cabinet nomination. Cho quit on Oct. 14, after 36 days in office.
“The Democratic Party, fixated on the cause of prosecution reform, failed to fathom the extent of the sense of unfairness and frustration the people, especially the youth, must have felt,” Lee said, referring to allegations of ethical lapses and financial malfeasance surrounding the ex-minister’s family.
Democratic Party Chairman Lee Hae-chan (Yonhap)
“But (the Cho Kuk affair) served as a reminder of how arrogantly the prosecution wielded power, unchecked,” he said, reaffirming the party’s commitment to prosecutorial reform.
“The prosecutors’ sole jurisdiction to indict suspects in particular, will be shared by a separate investigative body for checks and balances,” he said.
Lee also hinted at an impending party shakeup ahead of the 2020 general election.
“The Democratic Party is seeking to rejuvenate its membership, and recruit talent that can better represent society’s minorities,” he said, assuring, “We have picked up some new candidates that will be announced at an appropriate time.”
The main opposition Liberty Korea Party announced the same day a fresh list of recruits.
On views that the party leadership should be held accountable for damage done to Democratic Party by Cho, Lee said there will not be a caucus reshuffle.
“Considering there are only about five months remaining until (the parliamentary) election, replacing the leadership at this point would adversely affect the election results.”
He added that a special party committee will be formed to ensure a majority in the next parliament.
“If the Democratic Party fails to win a majority, it will be devastating for the whole country,” he said, accusing the opposition party of divisive partisan rhetoric at a time when dialogue is most needed.
By Kim Arin (
arin@heraldcorp.com)