Parliamentary Elections? Perhaps the Presidential Election? Words on Cho Kuk's Political Role

The political circle is eyeing the future of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk (pictured). For now, he has returned to the faculty of Seoul National University School of Law, but all kinds of suggestions on his political future can be heard in the ruling party. Some even mention nominating Cho as a candidate in the next parliamentary elections after the reorganization of the Prosecution Service led by the ruling party is completed. However, the former minister received serious injuries due to the investigation of his family, which led moderate voters to turn their backs, so a premature return to politics could put a burden on the ruling party.

The Democratic Party of Korea repeatedly emphasized that the resignation of Cho was an "honorable" one. At a meeting of the party's Supreme Council on October 16, party leader Lee Hae-chan called for the need of change in the judiciary and emphasized, "This is an opportunity that former Minister Cho and the people have personally created." Lawmaker Back Hye-ryun appeared on CBS radio and shared her assessment of the former minister saying, "He was not simply a kindling, he was a detonator who triggered the people's desire for reforms in the Prosecution Service." The Democratic Party is pushing to pass legislation on reforms in the Prosecution Service by this coming December. The reorganization of the Prosecution Service could provide a purpose for Cho's return to politics.

The "recycling of Cho Kuk" mentioned by some in the ruling party is in line with such observations. Regardless of Cho's thoughts, people are also speaking of his bid in the parliamentary elections. Reportedly, there were many in the ruling party who thought Cho should return and run in his hometown of Busan after serving as the senior secretary for civil affairs in Cheong Wa Dae. Since he was considered a future presidential candidate, this would have been a rite of passage to increase his clout as a "hidden dragon" representing the PK (Busan, Gyeongsangnam-do) region. However, the situation changed after the "battle of Cho Kuk." The voices within the ruling party claim that if Cho runs, he should compete against an opposition big shot in a closely contested constituency in the Seoul metropolitan area to restore his honor. Others argue that it would be better for him to go head-to-head in his hometown, since the public in the PK region have turned away.

Meanwhile, there are a number of people with opposing views claiming that it is necessary for Cho to "take his breath." If Cho runs, next year's parliamentary election could end up as another "battle of Cho Kuk," which will be a burden on the ruling party. The individual Cho Kuk may rise as a presidential candidate, but his bid could have a negative affect on the overall parliamentary elections due to the departure of the moderates. One lawmaker in the Seoul metropolitan area said, "The camps are so divided (after the battle of Cho Kuk) and people have clear preferences on Cho, so it won't be easy for him to run in the election." He also said, "It will also put a burden on President Moon Jae-in."

For this reason, some expect Cho to be summoned back to politics as a presidential candidate at the end of President Moon's term by his supporters rather than to increase his support base now. One lawmaker said, "Talking about a bid at this point neither helps Cho nor the party," and added, "For now, he should leave the feeling of debt in the hearts of his supporters, and when those feelings ripen someday an opportunity will come."

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