Cho Kuk denies hypocrisy over soju and wine photo, criticizes media

Former lawmaker Cho Kuk has pushed back against media reports that he was hypocritically posing with cheap soju while allegedly drinking expensive white wine.

Cho, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, took to social media to criticize what he called "strange articles" designed to "label him negatively." The controversy stemmed from a photo he posted of a meal with actor Lee Kwan-hoon, a supporter during his past election campaign.

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There are articles that seem intended to label me negatively. It's pathetic and ridiculous, but I will briefly state the facts.

While the photo showed a closed soju bottle prominently, a white wine bottle was also visible. Some media outlets seized on this, suggesting Cho and his companions brought out cheap soju only for the photo while drinking pricier alcohol. This narrative echoed past criticisms, such as when Cho posted only a video of soybean paste stew after a family visit to an upscale Korean restaurant.

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I drank both.

"There are articles that seem intended to label me negatively," Cho wrote. "It's pathetic and ridiculous, but I will briefly state the facts." He explained that four people shared draft beer before drinking soju or the Spanish white wine brought by Lee. "I drank both," he asserted.

Cho, who identified himself as a wine enthusiast, argued that wine is a widely accepted drink in society and he has no reason to hide his enjoyment of it. He concluded by sarcastically wishing well to journalists who, he said, are focused on finding fault with his every move amid the summer heat.

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Wine is a common drink in society, and I have no reason to hide my enjoyment of it.