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This is the conclusion of a serial that keeps South Korea in suspense for two months: Cho Kuk, Minister of Justice, suspected of corruption, resigned Monday, October 14, 2019, just one month after being appointed to this post.
With our correspondent in Seoul, Frédéric Ojardias
For weeks, his appointment was provoking mass protests, between a left that supports him, and a conservative opposition that took the opportunity to demand the departure of President Moon Jae-in.
Cho Kuk had been appointed to reform a judicial system inherited from former authoritarian regimes. But the head of state has finally yielded to pressure. " I'm really sorry for causing so much conflict, " he said.
His now ex-Minister of Justice is suspected, along with his family, of illegally obtaining public procurement orders and cheating to help his children enter prestigious universities.
The President wants to reform the floor
This appointment has deeply divided South Korea, according to the traditional lines of political divide of the country. Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets, some to support him, others to demand his departure .
Politicians shaved their heads in public to express their opposition. The president's support rate dropped, and the Conservative opposition took the opportunity to rebuild and gain popularity.
President Moon Jae-in promises to carry out the reform of the public prosecutor's office, which is so close to his heart. Its purpose is to reduce the power of very powerful prosecutors, and accused of being too politicized. For that, he will have to find another Minister of Justice.