Lee Decides on Cho Kuk's Pardon While on Vacation: "Let's Do What Needs to Be Done, Even If There Are Consequences"

by Song Seungseop

Published 21 Aug.2025 16:50(KST)

Updated 21 Aug.2025 16:54(KST)

Background of Cho Kuk's Pardon as Explained by Woo Sangho on the 21st
"Are you willing to proceed with a political pardon even if approval ratings drop?"
President Lee deliberated, then decided during his vacation, "Let's do what needs to be done"
Woo: "President Lee was the one most affected by the pardon... It was not for personal gain"

President Lee Jae Myung is putting on new glasses as he enters the 8th Chief Secretary and Aide Meeting held on the 21st at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On August 21, Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, stated that President Lee Jae Myung made the decision regarding the pardon of former Cho Kuk Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk during his vacation, saying over the phone, "Let's do what needs to be done, even if there are consequences."

At a press briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 21st, Woo recalled, "I first made the political judgment that it would be unavoidable to pardon former leader Cho during the president's term," and added, "After comprehensively considering when would be the most appropriate timing, we decided it would be best to do it at the beginning of the term."

Woo continued, "We considered the aftermath of the pardon," and explained, "If a political figure is pardoned, the impact of the general amnesty for ordinary citizens would be diminished, and approval ratings could drop by 4 to 5 percent. When I asked if he would accept that, President Lee deliberated."

Woo further explained, "President Lee Jae Myung is the person most affected by the political pardon," adding, "It was not done for any benefit; he made a painful decision because it was unavoidable." Woo also confessed, "As the secretary in charge, it was distressing for me as well."

Pardon Conditions: 'Excluding Presidential Acquaintances, Reflecting Each Party's Requests, Excluding Election Law Offenders'

Woo also revealed the principles behind the pardon. He said, "The main focus of the president's special pardon was on ordinary citizens, and the issue of pardoning politicians was discussed much later."

The principles Woo outlined were: 'Exclude those with personal ties to the president,' 'Reflect individuals requested by each party for the sake of social integration,' and 'Exclude those convicted of violating election laws.' Regarding why former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Peace Lee Hwa Young was not included on the pardon list, Woo explained, "That is why people like Lee Hwa Young were the first to be excluded."

Regarding the drop in approval ratings after the pardon, Woo said, "Let's tie our shoelaces again and start over. Now that the appointments are over, it's time to begin, and the secretaries reaffirmed their commitment."

He added, "After returning from the Korea-US-Japan summit, starting in early September, the Presidential Office will once again focus on programs to ensure public safety and revive the economy as top priorities," and emphasized, "Whatever the reason, a drop in approval ratings means that some of the public has withdrawn their support, and the secretaries believe this must be taken seriously."