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Former President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook greet Cho Kuk, head of the policy research institute of the Rebuilding Korea Party, after taking a commemorative photo at Moon’s residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, on August 24. / Source: Yonhap News

Former President Moon Jae-in met with Cho Kuk, head of the policy research institute of the Rebuilding Korea Party, on August 24 in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, and encouraged him to stay firm on his political path.

Moon told Cho, “You may have to walk a path where no road exists, but do not lose your original resolve and steadfastly open the way forward.” The two also watched a documentary film about Cho together, joined by Moon’s former presidential aides from the Blue House civil affairs office, including Baek Won-woo and Choi Kang-wook.

According to party spokesperson Yoon Jae-gwan, Moon expressed gratitude, saying, “I am very thankful that you showed comradeship by standing together in difficult times. I believed a day like this would come, and I am truly happy it has.” He also added, “Carry forward the determination with which you launched the party under the slogan ‘Three years is too long,’ and deepen and broaden Korea’s democracy.”

Cho reportedly listened attentively and responded that he would “take the words deeply to heart.”

The meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes, was not an official party event but rather a courtesy visit by former Blue House aides who had served under Moon. Those present included Baek, Choi, and Yoon Young-deok, along with Moon’s wife, Kim Jung-sook.

After the visit, Choi told reporters that no political discussions had taken place, explaining, “We simply celebrated with a cake as a belated 60th birthday gathering.”

Meanwhile, Yoon Jae-gwan dismissed concerns raised by some Democratic Party lawmakers, asking, “What is there for the Democratic Party to feel uncomfortable about?” He added, “It is only natural to thank former President Moon for his efforts in the pardon and reinstatement process.”

On Moon’s decision to watch the documentary with Cho, Yoon explained, “The film covers the issue of prosecutorial abuse of power during the Moon administration. Since it was an issue that occurred while he was president, we thought it was meaningful for him to watch it together.”