Jung Kyung-shim to be Cross-Examined as Witness in Jo Beom-dong Trial Today... Attention on Whether She Will Attend

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Attention is focused on whether Professor Jung Kyung-shim of Dongyang University, who was selected as a witness in the trial of Cho Beom-dong (37), the fifth cousin of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, will appear as a witness.

The Criminal Division 24 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge So Byeong-seok) plans to hold a continuation trial on the morning of the 27th for Cho, who was detained and indicted on charges including violation of the Capital Markets Act, embezzlement, and breach of trust, and conduct a witness examination of Professor Jung.

Earlier, the court had accepted Professor Jung as a witness at the prosecution's request, as she was named as an accomplice in the indictment on three counts related to Cho's criminal acts: embezzlement through a false consulting contract, false reporting to the Financial Services Commission regarding private equity fund agreements, and evidence destruction.

However, Professor Jung submitted a letter of absence and did not appear in court for the scheduled witness examination on the 20th.

At that time, Professor Jung's side argued in the letter that "the prosecutor's questioning is no different from the defendant's questioning," and "it is difficult to appear because the testimony given as a witness is expected to be submitted as evidence in her own trial."

The court imposed a fine of 4 million won on Professor Jung, stating, "The court recognized the necessity of questioning, but she was absent."

The court also stated, "If she does not appear at the next hearing, after hearing the opinions of the prosecution and defense, if witness examination is necessary, measures such as issuing a detention order may be taken."

Accordingly, if Professor Jung does not appear again today, the court is expected to immediately execute a detention warrant in the afternoon.

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