Seoul: Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk was released from prison early Friday under a presidential pardon, after serving eight months of his sentence for academic fraud involving his daughter. Cho, who founded and formerly headed the minor Rebuilding Korea Party, has been serving a two-year prison term since December for academic fraud concerning his children and unlawful interference with a government inspection.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee Jae Myung decided earlier this week to pardon Cho and his wife, Chung Kyung-sim, among others, as part of the president's special amnesty for Liberation Day. Upon his release, Cho expressed gratitude towards President Lee for the constitutional decision and acknowledged the criticisms regarding his pardon.

Cho criticized the main opposition People Power Party and ousted conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol for his attempts at martial law late last year, emphasizing the need for unity within the nation's liberal bloc. The amnesty, which reinstates Cho's eligibility to run for public office, is anticipated to influence the country's political scene, especially with upcoming local elections and the next presidential race.

Once considered a potential presidential candidate, Cho was a prominent figure under the former Moon Jae-in government, particularly after his party secured 12 parliamentary seats in the 2024 general elections. His political ascent was halted by corruption scandals involving his family. His wife, Chung, also faced legal issues, receiving a suspended sentence for document forgery related to their son's college admission.