[Bon-Young Koo Column] The Partisan Divide Is a Greater Threat Than Cho Jin-woong’s Past

The revelation of actor Cho Jin-woong’s juvenile criminal record has triggered a widespread controversy. On the 5th, a media outlet reported for the first time that he had received a juvenile protection disposition for robbery and rape charges while in high school. The following day, he announced his retirement, but the repercussions have persisted. Initially, the debate centered on whether to disclose juvenile criminal records and the broader issue of reintegrating juvenile offenders into society.
Up to this point, it seemed that public discourse in our society was functioning reasonably well. It is hard to argue against the idea that even those once classified as juvenile offenders deserve a second chance, provided they have shown sufficient reflection and atonement. Moreover, Cho Jin-woong is a prominent actor with an extensive filmography and several box office hits. As someone who has admired his performances in films like 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents,' 'Assassination,' and 'Perfect Game,' I personally find his departure regrettable.
However, the debate has veered off course as it ignited sparks in the political arena. Several figures from the ruling bloc have unconditionally defended Cho. For example, a professor who held a key post during the Moon Jae-in administration countered criticism by likening it to 'a scheme to twist the cause and bury an independence activist alive.' Yet, this argument sounded more like sophistry than logic. Cho Jin-woong participated in several commemorative events during the Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung administrations, but he was born decades after Korea’s independence in 1945.
Kim Ou-joon, a pro-government YouTuber, even floated conspiracy theories without evidence, saying, 'I suspect that certain players targeted Cho Jin-woong because of his activities during the pro-Moon era.' Yet, was it really the opposition that exposed Cho’s past? Coincidentally, this controversy erupted just as Kim Nam-kuk, the presidential office’s digital communications secretary, and a ruling party floor leader were exchanging personnel requests via text, mentioning 'Hyunji nuna.' Cho Jin-woong served as a national envoy during the repatriation of General Hong Beom-do’s remains under the Moon administration, and this year, he watched the documentary film 'Independence Army: The Unfinished War' with President Lee Jae-myung and his wife. It is hard to imagine that the current ruling bloc would sacrifice him simply to protect Kim Hyun-ji, the presidential secretary.
Let’s set aside the opposition’s blunt retort, 'Would you support even Jo Doo-soon if he backed the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)?' It is absurd that influencers like Kim Ou-joon from the ruling bloc compare Cho to Jean Valjean, excusing his actions as 'mistakes of youth.' In Victor Hugo’s 'Les Misérables,' Jean Valjean suffered greatly for stealing a single loaf of bread to feed his starving nephew. Thus, Ha Seo-jeong, chief spokesperson for the Korean Bar Association (KBA), pointed out, 'It is hard to overlook such serious crimes as mere youthful indiscretions.' This perspective likely resonates more with ordinary citizens.
Moreover, there have been further allegations that Cho Jin-woong committed multiple assaults in the film industry as an adult, casting doubt on claims that he was 'successfully rehabilitated.' Nevertheless, if he truly reflects and takes time for sincere self-restraint, he may eventually return. So what are some in the ruling bloc missing as they rush to 'save Private Cho Jin-woong'? Throughout this process, they focus solely on their own side, showing no consideration for the victims, who are the ones entitled to forgiveness. This is the result of being trapped in partisan logic and failing to view the issue with balance.
Let’s look back at the recent political turmoil sparked by allegations of illegal political funds provided by the Unification Church. President Lee even ordered a review of dissolving the religious foundation, a move that could raise constitutional questions. Yet, the investigation has been slow, and no effective measures have been found to eradicate collusion between politics and religion. Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki thoroughly investigated suspicions involving the opposition. However, even after receiving testimony last August that ruling party figures accepted illegal political funds from the Unification Church, this was covered up for months. This shows that even special prosecutor investigations are influenced by partisan logic.
Such thorough factionalism and double standards are chronic problems in Korean politics. When every decision is based on 'us versus them' rather than right or wrong, there is no room for deliberative democracy, which relies on listening and compromise. As a result, the political arena is caught in an endless vortex of strife, and fundamental solutions become ever more elusive.
Ultimately, it is the entire nation that suffers from these consequences. Those who blindly defend Cho Jin-woong may not have intended it, but this controversy has highlighted that partisan logic is a far more pernicious problem than Cho’s juvenile record. In this sense, they have paradoxically served a constructive function for political development by underscoring that overcoming the polarized partisan divide is the most urgent task facing our society.
kby777@fnnews.com Reporter