Prosecutors Ahead of Mid-Level Personnel Changes... 'Speed Battle' in Major Case Investigations

'Allegations of 청 Political Interference' Song Cheol-ho, Ulsan Mayor, First Summoned... Samsung Merger Pre-Planning Office Also Investigated
Following Jo Kwon and Jo Beom-dong, Jung Kyung-shim on the 22nd... Jo Guk Family Trial Also Intensifies

Jeong Gyeong-sim, wife of Justice Minister Cho Kuk and professor at Dongyang University, was summoned privately for the fifth time by the prosecution on the 14th for investigation. The photo was taken at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the same day. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy reporters Seongpil Cho and Seungyoon Song] Ahead of the mid-level executive personnel reshuffle expected to take place on the 21st, the prosecution is accelerating investigations into major cases. This is understood as a measure to secure as much evidence as possible in preparation for the potential disbandment of investigation teams, thereby preventing situations such as suspension of investigations.

The Public Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Tae-eun Kim), which is investigating the allegations of 'Blue House ordered investigation and interference in the Ulsan mayoral election,' summoned and is questioning Ulsan Mayor Cheol-ho Song for the first time on the morning of the 20th. The prosecution suspects that the Blue House helped Mayor Song get elected in last year's local elections and ordered the police to investigate then-Ulsan Mayor Ki-hyun Kim.

The Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 4 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Bok-hyun Lee), which is investigating the merger allegations between Samsung C&T Corporation and Cheil Industries, also summoned and is questioning former Samsung Future Strategy Office Deputy General Manager (President) Chung-gi Jang on the morning of the same day. Former Deputy General Manager Jang is suspected of involvement in the Samsung C&T merger along with former Future Strategy Office Chief Ji-sung Choi and other top executives of the group. Previously, the prosecution had requested Jang's appearance several times, but he did not comply. However, on the 18th, he was personally served a summons in the retrial court of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jae-yong Lee and appeared at the prosecution on this day. The prosecution has also summoned former Samsung C&T CEO Shin Kim and former Future Strategy Office Strategy Team Leader Jong-jung Kim in connection with this case. Summons and investigations of Vice Chairman Lee and former Chief Choi are also expected soon.

Meanwhile, trials related to the misconduct of the Cho family are also intensifying. Cho's younger brother, Kwon Cho, and his fifth cousin, Beom-dong Cho, appeared in court at the Seoul Central District Court at the same time on the morning of the 20th. Kwon Cho had his first trial in courtroom 423, while Beom-dong Cho had his third trial in courtroom 502. Two days later, the first trial of Professor Kyung-shim Jung, Cho's wife and a professor at Dongyang University, will be held at the same Seoul Central District Court.

Cho Mo (52), the younger brother of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who is suspected of recruitment corruption and sham lawsuits related to the school foundation Ungdonghakwon operated by Cho's family, is entering the courtroom to attend the warrant hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 31st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

This was the first time Kwon Cho appeared in court. He was detained and indicted last November on six charges, including corruption in teacher recruitment at Woongdong Academy. Wearing a sky-blue prison uniform and a neck brace, Kwon Cho lowered his head and said little. After his lawyer admitted only the part related to receiving 100 million won in recruitment corruption and denied all other charges, when the court asked, "Is that your position?" he briefly replied, "Yes."

The third trial session of Beom-dong Cho was held under the Criminal Division 24 (Chief Judge Byung-seok So). Beom-dong Cho was detained and indicted last October on charges of manipulating stock prices and embezzling company funds while effectively operating Korlink PE, which managed the so-called 'Cho Kuk Fund.' The trial began on December 16 last year, and witness examinations continued until the previous session. On this day, additional charges were consolidated, and documentary evidence was examined. Beom-dong Cho was recently additionally indicted by the prosecution for false stock price disclosures and embezzlement such as improper salary payments at Korlink PE.

On the 22nd, the first trial session of Professor Jung is scheduled to be held under the Criminal Division 25 (Chief Judge In-kwon Song). It is expected that Professor Jung will appear in court and directly state her position regarding the prosecution's charges.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.