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President Lee Jae Myung considers special grace for Cho Kuk – What comes next?
On August 11, 2025, President Lee Jae Myung chairs a government meeting on possible graces, including that of former minister Cho Kuk.
President Lee Jae Myung considers special grace for Cho Kuk – What comes next?
On August 11, 2025, a day full of expectations, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will convene his Cabinet for an extraordinary meeting. The focus of this meeting, scheduled for 2:30 p.m., is the so-called "special grazer" - a common practice that presidents use to grant pardon or to achieve social justice. The discussion about a possible pardon for former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, who is currently in custody, is currently attracting particular attention.
Cho Kuk, who founded the newly formed Reconstruction Party of Korea (RPC), is at the center of South Korea's political controversy. As he pursues a second chance, he battles the shadows of his past; he condemns himself for his role in a scandal, for influencing his children's academic careers. These circumstances are in stark contrast to the expectations that citizens attach to a new political direction.
Political change or chaotic circumstances?
The political landscape in South Korea is at a turning point. Many citizens perceive Cho Kuk as a sign of change, especially given dissatisfaction with the current government. The support for his new party, launched ahead of the upcoming general election in April 2024, shows that many South Koreans are ready to break new ground and no longer just trust traditional parties. Sciences et Democracy
“The elections are crucial,” says a political scientist, “since the opposition does not offer the necessary alternatives and President Yoon urgently needs a majority in order not to appear as a ‘lame duck’.” The situation is so tense that every move Cho Kuk makes attracts both supporters and critics.
The challenges of the new government
The elections are approaching and the pressure is growing: citizens can cast their votes on Tuesday. This election offers an opportunity to end the political chaos of recent months, which has been marked by protests and legal disputes. Early polls show Lee Jae-myung of the center-left party leading with 51.7% of the vote, while his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo is at 39.3% RTS.
The election resulted in a high turnout of over 62%, demonstrating the broad mobilization of the electorate. After months of uncertainty, people are hoping for clear solutions to pressing problems such as the economic crisis, falling birth rates and the rising cost of living. The future president will also have to overcome diplomatic challenges, particularly relations with North Korea, the USA and China.
In such times of uncertainty, it remains to be seen whether Cho Kuk, despite his legal problems, will be perceived as a real alternative. Whether he can convince voters as the political landscape continues to change rapidly remains to be seen.