Justice minister nominee Cho Kuk (54) stepped onto a confirmation stage at the National Assembly on September 2. It was not a confirmation hearing, but a press conference seeking the confirmation of the people. It was a confirmation in the form of a press conference, because of a National Assembly neglecting its role to keep the presidential right to appoint senior officials in check and to verify the qualifications of nominees for senior office. Cho tried to explain the allegations and controversy that had been raised, but he repeatedly answered, "I didn't know," and "The investigation will uncover the truth." For this reason, the press conference failed to sufficiently reveal his policies and qualities as a justice minister. The ruling party argued, "It was an inevitable forum because the opposition party made it impossible to hold the confirmation hearing," while the opposition party attacked the conference as "a unilateral forum for excuses with no legal grounds."

However, due to the criticism of an absence of political power in both the ruling and opposition parties, which have voluntarily abandoned the rights of the National Assembly, the conflict over the "battle of Cho Kuk" is likely to deepen.

At 3:30 p.m. this day, Cho Kuk held a press conference at the National Assembly and answered "unlimited" questions from the reporters.

As for his daughter being cited as the lead author of an academic paper she wrote in high school, Cho said, "I did not know the details of how she came to be mentioned as the lead author, and I never contacted the professor." However, he added, "I think at the time, the criteria in determining the first and second authors were vague and loose. From today's perspective, it seems odd. Even in my eyes, it looks strange. The prosecutors are investigating the case, so the truth will be revealed."

Cho apologized for the deprivation felt by the young people due to the issues concerning his daughter and said, "I apologize to the people." However, as for the allegations on any special treatment in her college admissions and scholarship, he said, "I did not know (that she had received a scholarship). I confess that I was a father who neglected the affairs of my child and family." At the same time, he actively defended his daughter saying, "I ask that you stop attacking my daughter with false accusations." When he mentioned the press coverage about his daughter driving a Porsche, he was choked with emotions.

Cho also mentioned the allegations concerning his investment in a family private equity fund, currently being investigated by the prosecutors, and said, "I had no way of knowing how the portfolio was composed and operated. In fact, I was not familiar with the economy or business management, so I studied about what a private equity fund was because of this." He avoided specific answers on other allegations saying, "I don't know," "Call and check (with the relevant agency)," and "It will be revealed in the prosecutors' investigation."

The press meeting this day was held after Cho contacted the ruling Democratic Party of Korea shortly before noon, when his confirmation hearing was on the brink of collapse due to differences between the ruling and opposition parties concerning witnesses. The Democratic Party supported the conference saying, "Cho has the right and duty to clearly reveal the truth to the people." However, the conference triggered attacks that Cho unilaterally notified the conference at a time when parliamentary discussions had not yet reached a conclusion. Even from within the ruling party, there were complaints that "It was not appropriate." The conference was held with Cho explaining to the reporters, who had no right to submit data, triggering criticism of a "self-confirmation hearing" and a "half-verification."

Cho said, "I asked for the press conference because today is legally the last day for the confirmation hearing and I thought I would miss an opportunity to tell the people my story."

The Liberty Korea Party demanded broadcasting stations for an opportunity to express their opposition in the same format as the conference. The Bareun Mirae Party also criticized, "A unilateral, surprise press conference is a serious challenge to parliamentary democracy." The Justice Party also pointed out, "The press conference cannot replace a confirmation hearing."