Cho Kuk to be freed at midnight, sparking widespread speculation over party merger

Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, who later led the minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party, is set to be released at midnight on Friday under a special Liberation Day presidential pardon, which will also reinstate his political rights. Having served roughly eight months of his two-year prison sentence, he will leave Seoul Southern Detention Center at midnight, with politicians and analysts eager to hear his first public comments. Talk of Cho’s political comeback is already fueling intense speculation at the National Assembly and beyond. He is being touted not only as a possible candidate in the mayoral elections in Seoul or Busan, but also as a potential long-term presidential contender within the wider liberal bloc. According to a party official, he will initially spend time with his family and close associates before formally rejoining the Rebuilding Korea Party. His first official move is expected to be filing the paperwork to reinstate his membership, paving the way for a comeback as party leader. The party has already shortened the term of all its current Supreme Council members anWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times