Korea’s political amnesty freed former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, restoring his right to run for public office. President Lee Jae Myung approved the decision during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting in Seoul. This move enables Cho to consider a political comeback in the next local elections. Leaders described the decision as a significant political step.
Cho joined 2,188 individuals who received clemency this week. The pardon removed the five-year restriction on holding public office after his sentence. With the Korea political amnesty, Cho now has a direct path back to active politics. Supporters see the move as a chance for his political revival. Critics, however, remain skeptical about the timing.
He had served part of a two-year sentence for forging academic credentials and abusing his position during a government audit. The top court upheld his conviction before he entered prison late last year. Without the Korea political amnesty, Cho would have stayed out of politics until the 2030s. Many believe his release will reshape political debates. Others see it as a controversial presidential decision.
Cho built a career that mixed political influence with controversy. As a law professor and ally of former President Moon Jae-in, he championed prosecutorial reform. However, he resigned after only 35 days as minister due to allegations involving his family’s academic and financial conduct. His swift fall from power surprised supporters. Opponents argued the scandal damaged public trust.
Prosecutors claimed Cho used falsified or exaggerated records to help his children in school admissions. His daughter, Cho Min, used forged documents for both university and medical school applications. The court fined her and revoked her medical license after the case concluded. These events intensified public criticism of the family. They also fueled political polarization around the issue.
Yoon Suk Yeol, then-Prosecutor General, led the investigation and later became president. Cho responded by founding the Rebuilding Korea Party, which won seats in the National Assembly. Both Cho and Moon repeatedly claimed the charges were politically motivated. Moon personally urged clemency days before the pardon. That appeal likely added political weight to the decision.
The amnesty also covered several other high-profile figures from different political camps. Cho’s wife, Chung Kyung-shim, left prison after serving part of her four-year term. Former lawmaker Choe Kang-wook, convicted of issuing a fake internship certificate, also regained his freedom. The list included former Seoul education chief Cho Hee-yeon. Several conservative former lawmakers benefited as well.
Prominent business figures also appeared on the pardon list. SK Networks Chairman Chey Shin-won received amnesty in a decision noted by industry watchers. President Lee extended clemency to 184 cargo truck drivers convicted during a large-scale strike. The decision came days before the National Liberation Day holiday. Historically, such pardons align with major national holidays in Korea.
