Controversy over Cho Kuk

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2019/08/202_274264.html

Controversy over Cho Kuk

President Moon Jae-in's nominee for justice minister, Cho Kuk, is in the hot seat over fraud and corruption allegations levelled against his relatives. There has been extensive media coverage of suspicions surrounding Cho's family ― and his possible involvement in the alleged wrongdoings. The stories about his relatives are making headlines every day, and rival parties are yet again being thrown deeper into a vortex of mudslinging.

 

So it was not strange that Cho became an instant target of political offensives. In fact, Cho had been rumored to be handpicked for the next justice minister long before the Cabinet reshuffle. Looking at a series of allegations raised by conservative lawmakers day after day, they seem to have long prepared for this battle. In a way, this is a do-or-die fight for them given that Cho has been a symbolic figure in this ideologically polarized Korean society since the law professor joined Cheong Wa Dae in May 2017.

 

Cho's case basically represents a chaotic situation being repeated in Korean politics, possibly in any democratic society in the world that has fair elections to choose its leader. The No. 1 rule for opposition parties there is to weaken power of the leader, and it is often the case that their close aides and confidants become easy political targets.

 

In Cho's case, a lot of questions have been raised about his family. Cho's wife is also suspected of engaging in a fraudulent property deal with the ex-wife of Cho's brother to avoid paying inheritance tax. Conservative parties have largely attacked Cho's family, but failed to come up with concrete evidence showing Cho's direct involvement in corruption or fraud or his ethical lapses. Cho has avoided responding to the allegations, saying he will explain all in a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly.

 

What is needed now is a tough confirmation hearing for Cho, not such rallies.

 

https://www.commonwealthy.com/responding-to-political-attacks/