SEOUL, South Korea – A candidate from the Democratic Party (DP) has withdrawn her bid for the upcoming parliamentary elections following widespread criticism of her past career as a defense lawyer representing sexual offenders. Cho Soo-jin, who won the party ticket for the Gangbuk-B district in northern Seoul, made the announcement on Thursday after facing mounting scrutiny. Cho expressed her gratitude to the DP members for their support and urged the party to focus on securing victory in the elections.
Cho came under fire after it was revealed that she employed aggressive arguments in defense of sexual assault perpetrators, leading critics to accuse her of further victim-blaming. A feminist group brought attention to Cho’s blog, where she advised clients on how to exploit or circumvent the legal system, including suggesting that a woman may have wanted to engage in sexual activity even after refusing. The group demanded her resignation, arguing that her misleading beliefs perpetuated false notions about sexual assault victims.
The DP now faces the task of selecting a new candidate for the Gangbuk-B district before the candidate registration deadline on Friday. This setback adds to the internal strife already engulfing the main opposition party as it deals with factional divisions over candidate nominations for the parliamentary elections. Cho’s nomination came after the party revoked the candidacy of Chung Bong-ju, a former DP lawmaker, due to his disparaging remarks about wounded soldiers following a land mine explosion in 2015. Both Cho and Chung were seen as aligned with DP leader Lee Jae-myung, while Park Yong-jin was considered part of the non-Lee faction.
Lee accepted Cho’s resignation, respecting her decision not to hinder the progress of the party. In response, the DP nominated Han Min-soo, its spokesperson, to replace Cho as the candidate for Seoul’s Gangbuk-B district. This turn of events highlights the challenges the DP faces in maintaining unity and resolving internal conflicts ahead of the parliamentary elections.
The withdrawal of Cho Soo-jin from the race reflects the growing importance of candidates’ past records and their ability to uphold public trust. As the election draws closer, political parties must carefully consider the backgrounds and reputations of their potential candidates to avoid further controversy. The outcome of these elections will have a significant impact on the political landscape of South Korea, making it crucial for parties to select candidates who align with public expectations and uphold the values of justice and fairness.