South Korean president to pardon former Justice Minister Cho Kuk

11/8/2025 19:01

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will grant a presidential pardon to former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, the Ministry of Justice said on Monday, a move that could restore Cho's position as a liberal political leader after he was jailed for academic fraud.



The pardon will reinstate Cho's eligibility to be elected to public office, and may make him a focal point for support by some liberals in a political landscape currently dominated by Lee and the ruling liberal Democratic Party, analysts have said.



Cho launched the minor Rebuilding Korea Party ahead of the general election in April last year. The Democratic Party relies on the support of the party and other smaller liberal parties to cement its control of South Korea's parliament.