Seoul: It was recently revealed that National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik visited the incarcerated former leader of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party, Cho Kuk, earlier this month. Woo met Cho in the Seoul Southern Correctional Institution on July 9. According to Yonhap News Agency, the visit was a special one, known in Korean as a "visit with change of location." Unlike regular inmate visits, which are limited to 30 minutes, this type of visit has no time limit and takes place in a more private setting furnished with sofas and chairs, allowing physical contact between the inmate and the visitor. Woo's visit is exceptional, given his high-ranking position as South Korea's second highest-ranking government official. Woo's aides justified the visit on human grounds, noting Cho's long-standing political support for Woo. In 2014, when former President Moon Jae-in led the Democratic Party of Korea, Woo and Cho worked together on the party reform committee. However, the timing of the visit is considered rash and improper, with the Aug. 15 Liberation Day special amnesty approaching and the Justice Ministry reportedly starting proceedings to select inmates for special pardons. Cho was sentenced to two years in prison for document forgery to aid his children's university admissions and for obstructing an investigation into corruption allegations when he served as Moon's senior secretary for civil affairs. The Supreme Court upheld this ruling in December last year. Speculation regarding a special amnesty for Cho next month is gaining attention from politicians and the public, with Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu publicly demanding a Liberation Day special amnesty for Cho. Woo's prison visit raises suspicions about whether the speaker is attempting to create a favorable atmosphere for a pardon for Cho. Cho's conviction is unrelated to political beliefs or actions linked to the pro-democracy movement, and he has not admitted any wrongdoing. A pardon could spark controversy over releasing someone imprisoned for per sonal crimes, such as his children's admission irregularities. Critics argue that fairness is at stake, as public sentiment may oppose pardoning a prisoner who has served only a fraction of their sentence. Pardoning a convict who has not yet served half their term is rare. Woo had previously faced controversy over his role as Assembly speaker by attending a talk show hosted by Kim Eo-jun, a media personality known for spreading unverified news and conspiracy theories. Woo's association with divisive figures and actions that defy public sentiment raises questions about his leadership as Assembly speaker. Some doubt his awareness of public anger over Cho's actions, particularly as the Democratic Party maintains significant influence over the legislative and executive branches.