Overview

• President Lee approved Cho Kuk’s pardon at an extraordinary Cabinet meeting, cutting short a two-year sentence upheld by the Supreme Court for academic fraud and unlawful interference.
• The Liberation Day clemency restores Cho’s eligibility to run for public office, potentially positioning him for a campaign in the 2026 local elections.
• The administration cited over 830,000 beneficiaries in the wide-ranging amnesty package, while some outlets reported a narrower list of 2,188 individuals.
• Conservative leaders denounced the pardon as undermining fairness, whereas ruling-party figures hailed it as a gesture of political reconciliation.
• Political analysts say Cho’s return could reshape power dynamics within the liberal bloc and affect public opinion as President Lee’s approval rating shows early signs of decline.