A new controversy has emerged surrounding Cho Kuk, head of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party’s policy research institute, as the legal representative of a sexual assault victim claimed he ignored repeated outreach from the victim’s side.
On September 8, lawyer Kang Mi-sook, who serves as legal counsel to the party’s women’s committee and acts on behalf of a sexual harassment victim, disclosed during an interview on CBS Radio’s Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show that she sent Cho Kuk a 10-page handwritten letter while he was imprisoned.
Kang Mi-sook explained, “I poured my heart into that letter, describing the background of the incidents, what our party needs to strengthen, and asking for follow-up measures regarding disciplinary actions and the victim’s return to work.”
However, she confirmed that Cho Kuk gave no reply during his incarceration. “I didn’t expect a reply, but it was disheartening nonetheless,” Kang Mi-sook said. What stung more, she added, was that even after Cho Kuk’s release by presidential pardon, he took no direct action: “I wrote over 10 pages, but it seems the sincerity didn’t reach him.”
Kang revealed that on August 21, after waiting for Cho Kuk to complete major political events, she finally texted him. Cho Kuk reportedly responded with, “I feel sorry about this, but I am not in a position to act right now. After finishing local schedules, I will meet spokesperson Kang Mi Jung to deliver words of comfort.”
Kang clarified that her appeal was not for comfort but for a concrete process to restore the victim’s position within the party: “The core issue has always been Kang Mi Jung’s reinstatement, but no one asked about it.”
Although Cho Kuk later posted a public apology on social media, Kang said there has still been no direct contact with the victim. She also criticized the party leadership’s collective resignation as “irresponsible,” arguing that they had effectively shifted the entire burden of crisis management onto Cho Kuk immediately after his release.
Still, Kang acknowledged Cho Kuk’s difficult position: “He was away from the party during his imprisonment, but now he has no choice but to push forward with personnel and organizational reforms. He must prove leadership in rebuilding the party.”
This controversy adds further strain to the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, already under fire for its handling of internal sexual violence cases and leadership accountability.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스