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/Source: Yonhap

Cho Kuk, former leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, is expected to push ahead with prosecutorial reform following his pardon. However, as public opposition to his pardon and reinstatement remains strong, analysts say he must first focus on managing public opinion to secure political momentum.

On August 17, Cho posted a video of himself cooking soybean paste stew on social media with the caption “family meal,” signaling that he spent his first evening after release with his family. The following day, he uploaded a photo of stacked books with the phrase “폐문독서물” (retreating into books behind closed doors). Many interpret this as Cho adopting a “low-key” posture, mindful of the backlash surrounding his pardon. He has previously stated that he intends to embrace criticism and slander as he continues his political career.

Observers expect Cho to soon move toward reclaiming his leadership post. Politically, he is likely to use his relationship with the government and ruling party as leverage to press forward with prosecutorial reform. Shortly after his release, Cho declared, “My pardon, reinstatement, and release will be remembered as a symbolic moment marking the end of prosecutorial dictatorship that has long abused its authority.” Given his long-standing claim that his family suffered under “political prosecutors,” his focus on reform was widely anticipated.

Still, the primary challenge remains defusing public discontent over the pardon. According to a Gallup Korea poll of 1,007 adults nationwide conducted from August 12 to 14 (response rate 13.4%, margin of error ±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level), only 32% of respondents in their 20s and 27% in their 30s supported the pardon, while opposition stood at 50% and 62%, respectively.

Political observers caution that Cho cannot rely solely on his “hardcore base” and must also seek to win over opponents. Talk of reopening legal proceedings within his party is seen as part of this effort. Even within the ruling camp, criticism lingers over Cho’s involvement in admissions fraud. Rep. Yoon Joon-byung of the Democratic Party wrote on social media: “Cho Kuk’s family’s admissions fraud, including giving his children an unfair advantage, deserves criticism. But since he suffered under Yoon Suk-yeol, pardoning him was acceptable. However, interpreting the pardon as forgiving admissions fraud is another matter. Reading silence as approval of Cho’s actions is wrong.”