Gong Ji-young: "Prosecutors Who Publicized Private Family Texts Should Be Prosecuted"

Published 21 Jan.2020 09:55(KST)

A post by author Gong Ji-young on Facebook / Photo by Gong Ji-young

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Writer Gong Ji-young expressed anger at the prosecution for revealing text messages between Professor Jeong Gyeong-sim of Dongyang University and former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, saying, "Isn't it you guys who should be prosecuted for publicizing private family messages?"

On the 20th, Gong posted on her Facebook along with an article, saying, "(Former Minister Cho and Professor Jeong) did not commit murder, did not manipulate state affairs, nor conspired a coup," expressing her stance.

Gong continued, "Since it has come to this, reveal the reply messages too. Work on it, work on it!"

Earlier that morning, the prosecution disclosed text messages between Professor Jeong and her asset manager, private banker (PB) Kim Kyung-rok, during the trial of Cho's fifth cousin Jo Mo at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 24 (Presiding Judge So Byung-seok).

The prosecution claimed that the disclosed content showed that the former Minister Cho and his spouse were involved in managing the private equity fund of Kolink Private Equity (Kolink PE).

Photo by Gong Ji-young, captured from Facebook

One hour later, Gong shared an article titled "Prosecution also disclosed KakaoTalk messages," stating, "I am angry. They are private individuals," and added, "They are suspects whose guilt is not yet confirmed, the prosecution is crazy, and the media, you really..."

On that day, the prosecution also revealed KakaoTalk message records exchanged between former Minister Cho and Professor Jeong in May 2018, along with the messages between Professor Jeong and Mr. Kim.

In the disclosed messages, Professor Jeong discusses with her brother about the comprehensive income tax of around 20 million won imposed on consulting fees paid for fund management.