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By Kwon Bong-woon
In recent years I have been watching the downfall of prominent figures due to their disgraceful and fraudulent acts. On Feb. 3, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk to two years in prison for falsifying documents to facilitate his daughter's university admission.
The Supreme Court also finalized a four-year prison term for Chung Kyung-sim, Cho Kuk's wife. The scandal involving the family of Cho Kuk, considered then one of the closest confidants of President Moon Jae-in, sharply divided the nation, prompting massive rallies both in support of and against Cho's nomination. He took office but resigned just 35 days later. The emerging "Cho Kuk Scandal" revealed unfairness disguised as fairness and lies as truth. Fairness or being fair can refer to impartiality, justice, objectivity and rationality. Everyone needs to follow the rules, should be respectful of one another and work together to build a strong and safe society. Fairness treats everybody the same; not a single person should be left out.
Cho Kuk, who was a highly visible public figure and a star professor of law, preached fairness in front of others while pursuing unfair privilege and unjust advantage by abusing his power. Above all, he deprived those who want to take college admission exams of opportunity. He must apologize for undermining fairness in our society through foul play and abuse of privilege. And yet he never admitted his wrongdoings and even published a memoir that criticizes prosecutors who investigated him. He has been facing criticism over his unrepentant attitude toward the high-profile corruption scandal involving his family. So far, no official apology has been made for his wrongdoings. The public feel nothing but despondent as it also created a sense of division among people some of who suffered tremendous distress.
Not only Cho, but also those who so far defended him with sophistry and groundless logic, should accept the court ruling as an opportunity for self-reflection. I wonder why he is not remorseful for his wrongdoings, it is the people's duty to follow the judicial judgment. Hypocritical self-rationalism, double-faced behavior and self-righteousness cannot be tolerated any longer.
As he was a leader in society, it is regrettable that he still doesn't feel any responsibility for his Janus-faced behavior and hypocritical standards.
The humility of an intellectual is often described as a virtue, along with other perceived virtues such as integrity and honesty. Such virtues are seen in behavior showing high moral standards. If there is a person who succeeded with the benefits given by society, he has a moral obligation to return the favor to society. That is what a leader looks like. Society requires leaders who cultivate integrity and honesty and tell the truth.
The writer (kbw8234664@naver.com) worked at a bank in Seoul.
