조국 "국민께 진심으로 죄송…법무•검찰 개혁은 저의 책무"<br /><br />Justice minister nominee Cho Kuk denied having any role in corruption allegations against his family during a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly today.<br />A key point of contention was alleged fraud regarding his daughter's academic records and college admission.<br />Cho apologized to the public... saying that his words and actions have not been in line with his call for a fair and just society.<br />He vowed to carry out sweeping reforms if appointed as justice minister... as a way to regain public trust.<br />"I accept the public's criticisms and I admit I've made inappropriate remarks in the past. But, I believe I will be able to carry out prosecutorial reforms which has been one of the key goals of the administration. I have been working on it since I was the presidential secretary. There's been slow progress and I hope to be able to complete it."<br />The ruling party defended Cho, saying he is fit to carry out the administration's reform drive,... while the opposition bloc called for the scrapping of his nomination.<br />Cho and his family face other allegations,... including making suspicious investments in a private equity fund,... and alleged irregularities in real estate transactions.<br />A two-day hearing was initially scheduled for earlier this week,... but was called off on partisan wrangling over his suitability for the post.<br />Instead, Cho held an unprecedented press conference to explain himself.<br />Cho's confirmation hearing is a mere formality... as his appointment does not require parliamentary approval.<br />
