[Summary] Choi Kang-wook "Court Should Be Visited by Political Prosecutors" vs Jin Joong-kwon "Apologize First"

Choiganguk "Facing court on illegal and political charges"
Jinjungkwon "Legality is for the court to decide... Should apologize for own immorality first"

Choi Kang-wook, a proportional representative elected member of the Open Democratic Party and former Blue House Secretary for Public Office Discipline, who was indicted for falsifying an internship confirmation letter for the son of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, is attending the first trial held at the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of the 21st. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] On the 21st, Choi Kang-wook, a proportional representative elected member of the Open Democratic Party and former Secretary for Public Discipline at the Blue House, who was indicted on charges of falsifying an internship confirmation letter for the son of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, strongly criticized the prosecution at his first trial. Meanwhile, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon pointed out, "When a thief scolds the police, it means the world is doomed."

In a post on his Facebook on the same day, former professor Jin wrote, "Either claim the (internship) confirmation letter is genuine, or admit it is fake but argue it is not a crime?choose one," criticizing Choi in this way.

He continued, "There is no need for words from Choi Kang-wook," and wrote, "Bring forward a witness who saw that child (former Minister Cho's son) working as an intern in the office."

Regarding whether former Minister Cho's son actually interned, he pointed out, "If he really interned, at least the office staff would have seen it."

He added, "Law and morality are clearly different in scope," and reiterated his criticism by saying, "What Choi Kang-wook should do now is leave the judgment of the legality of the act (issuing a false internship confirmation letter) to the court, and reflect on and apologize for his immorality."

He argued, "(Choi's claim) is basically that the internship confirmation letter is fake but not illegal," and said, "If it were genuine, there would be no need to argue whether it is illegal or legal. Ultimately, he seems to want to say that the internship confirmation letter is fake, but that is a matter of moral criticism and should not be prosecuted as a crime."

He further pointed out, "Choi Kang-wook's argument is that his act is not illegal and therefore not immoral, whereas the prosecution's position is that his act is illegal and therefore immoral," and said, "Logically, the maximum position he can take in this fight is that although the act is immoral, it is not legally punishable."

He emphasized, "It would be best to clearly admit that the internship confirmation letter is fake and first reflect and apologize."

Choi, the elected candidate, is answering questions from the press as he enters the Seoul Central District Court on the 21st. / Photo by Asia Economy DB

On the 21st, Choi attended the first trial held under Judge Jeong Jong-geon at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 9. Before entering the courtroom, he told reporters, "I am going to court today due to an illegal and political indictment by the political prosecution under the direction of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol," and added, "I believe the judgment of the citizens has already been made."

He also criticized, "I deeply regret the repeated behavior of manipulating the media or colluding with the media to harass many people and produce innocent defendants."

He strongly criticized, saying, "(The prosecution) cannot properly explain the indictment details, timing, indictment process procedures, and the numerous abuses of authority that occurred during the process, and they are lying," and added, "The ones who should actually be in court are the prosecutors who are engaging in prosecutorial politics that number less than a handful."

Meanwhile, Choi was indicted in January on charges of issuing a false internship confirmation letter for Cho's son, Cho Mo, in October 2017, and obstructing graduate school admissions work together with former Minister Cho.

At the first trial, Choi's defense attorney denied the charges, stating, "Cho actually participated in experiential internship activities, and (Choi) only recorded this fact," and "There was no obstruction of work, nor any conspiracy with former Minister Cho or others."

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