Cho Kuk, former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, sought to fend off criticism over his involvement in the South Korean Socialist Workers’ Alliance in 1991, saying it had been a way to “stand against a dictatorial government and pursue economic democracy.”



“Cho Kuk in his 20-somethings was inexperienced and fell short, but sought to walk along with public agony with a passionate heart,” Cho said Wednesday morning at a temporary office in Jongno, central Seoul.



“Activities to stand against the dictatorial government and pursue economic democracy in 1991 have been brought back in 2019. For the past 28 years I have not tried to hide the record. I am neither proud nor ashamed (of it),” Cho added.



He vowed to address his detractors’ concerns and be open about his past during his upcoming parliamentary confirmation hearing.



Baek Tae-woong, a sitting professor at the University of Hawaii, and poet Park No-hae were among the core members who launched the federation in November 1989.



Its top objectives were to bring down the Roh Tae-woo government, transform society so as to incorporate more left-leaning policies, and establish a progressive party for laborers.





Justice Minister nominee Cho Kuk enters an office in the Jongno district on Wednesday (Yonhap)