Cho Kuk Avoids Direct Response on Party Sexual Misconduct Scandal
The Cho Kuk Innovation Party is facing heavy criticism following revelations of a sexual misconduct case within the party. On September 4, Cho Kuk, head of the party’s Innovation Policy Research Institute, avoided giving a direct answer when asked by reporters whether he had remained silent despite knowing about the scandal. His response—“I will have another opportunity to answer later”—has fueled controversy, raising questions about leadership accountability and the party’s stance on gender equality issues.
Cho Kuk’s Silence and Political Burden
Speaking after a visit to Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, Cho Kuk was asked by journalists: “Did you stay silent despite knowing about the misconduct?” and “Why have you not commented since your pardon?” Instead of answering directly, he said, “Not today, but I will answer another time.” This response has been criticized as inconsistent with the party’s public emphasis on fairness, human rights, and gender equality.
Resignation of Spokesperson Kang Mi-jung
The controversy intensified after Kang Mi-jung, party spokesperson and the whistleblower in the case, announced her resignation. Kang stated that the party had “ignored the protection and recovery of the victim” and criticized Cho Kuk for remaining silent after his release from prison. She further alleged that both the victim and supporters had been exposed to secondary harm due to the party’s slow and inadequate response.
Party Response and Counterclaims
In response, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party claimed that it had already met all of the victim’s demands and completed the necessary disciplinary procedures. The party emphasized that the misconduct took place while Cho Kuk was incarcerated, arguing it was unfair to connect him directly to the incident. In June, two perpetrators were punished—one expelled from the party and another suspended for one year. The party also established a Special Committee for Human Rights and Gender Equality as well as a task force to implement follow-up recommendations.
Reactions from the Democratic Party
The scandal has also spilled over into the Democratic Party. During her resignation press conference, Kang Mi-jung accused Choi Kang-wook, head of the Democratic Party’s Education and Training Institute, of making remarks that constituted secondary harm to victims. Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae quickly ordered a fact-finding investigation. Choi, speaking at a political academy lecture, had questioned whether people truly understood the facts of the misconduct case and downplayed its seriousness, sparking strong backlash for undermining victim credibility.
🔎 Key Takeaways
- Cho Kuk avoided direct answers on the sexual misconduct scandal, saying he would respond later
- Party spokesperson Kang Mi-jung resigned, citing lack of protection for victims
- The party claims it completed disciplinary measures and fulfilled victim requests
- Democratic Party figure Choi Kang-wook accused of secondary victim-blaming remarks
- Scandal highlights broader political accountability and gender equality issues
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FAQ: Cho Kuk Innovation Party Misconduct Scandal
1. Did Cho Kuk comment on the sexual misconduct case?
No. He declined to give a direct answer, saying he would respond at a later time.
2. Why did spokesperson Kang Mi-jung resign?
She argued that the party failed to protect victims properly and criticized Cho Kuk for remaining silent after his release.
3. How did the party discipline the perpetrators?
One was expelled from the party, and another was suspended for one year. Additional committees and task forces were created for reforms.
4. What did Choi Kang-wook say that caused controversy?
He questioned whether people truly knew the facts of the case and implied the scandal might not be as serious as portrayed, which critics say amounted to secondary victim-blaming.
5. What does this scandal mean for Korean politics?
It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and stronger gender equality policies within political parties.
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Conclusion: A Test of Leadership and Accountability
The Cho Kuk Innovation Party sexual misconduct scandal has grown beyond a single incident, becoming a test of leadership, integrity, and political accountability. Cho Kuk’s refusal to provide immediate answers has intensified doubts about his leadership, while the resignation of a key spokesperson exposed the party’s internal struggles. Combined with the Democratic Party’s involvement through secondary harm allegations, the issue continues to reverberate across Korean politics. The scandal demonstrates how political trust depends on transparent responses and strong protections for victims of misconduct.
