Jung Kyung-shim on the witness stand in Jo Beom-dong trial: "I don't remember... I refuse to testify"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] "I do not remember.", "I refuse to testify as it seems related to my charges."

Professor Jeong Gyeong-shim of Dongyang University repeatedly gave such answers on the 27th when she appeared as a witness at the criminal trial of Cho Beom-dong, the 5th cousin of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 24 (Presiding Judge So Byeong-seok).

The court stated, "The witness may freely decide to refuse to testify for reasons of refusal."

During the prosecution's main questioning, they focused on questions such as "Have you ever had investment-related conversations with Mr. Cho?"

However, Professor Jeong consistently responded that she either did not remember most of the details or could not speak about them.

Below is part of Professor Jeong's witness examination:

Quotation

Prosecutor = Have you ever visited the defendant's office and heard explanations about the investment value of Iksung through the fund?

Professor Jeong = I refuse to testify as it seems related to my charges.

Prosecutor = Did you listen to explanations about investment and business in Iksung and receive materials?

Professor Jeong = I do not remember.

Prosecutor = Did you send a text message to the defendant in December 2015 saying, 'Did your nephew have a good Christmas holiday? Please contact me if you can talk'?

Professor Jeong = I do not remember.

Prosecutor = Later, you sent a text saying, 'It would be good to meet at the office by 2:30 PM.' Since you had a phone call, isn't that why you sent such a message? Was it about investment?

Professor Jeong = I do not remember. Secondly, I refuse to testify as it seems related to my charges.

The prosecution's interrogation records on that day largely consisted of text message conversations between Professor Jeong and Mr. Cho from late 2015 to February 2017.

The prosecution proceeded with the witness examination based on these text messages, asking questions like "Are you aware of these facts?"

Even though Professor Jeong repeatedly answered "I do not remember" or "I will not testify," the prosecution continued to ask about the investment background and related discussions.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The prosecution has viewed from the investigation stage that Professor Jeong colluded with Mr. Cho to commit private equity fund corruption.

In Mr. Cho's indictment, Professor Jeong is named as an accomplice in three charges: embezzlement through false consulting contracts, false reports to the Financial Services Commission regarding private equity fund agreements, and evidence destruction.

Previously, Professor Jeong was selected as a witness for this trial on the 20th but submitted a non-attendance statement saying, "The prosecutor's questioning is no different from the defendant's questioning," and did not appear in court.

At that time, her side stated in the non-attendance letter that "It is difficult to appear because the testimony given as a witness is expected to be submitted as evidence against herself."

The court imposed a fine of 4 million KRW for her absence. However, when Professor Jeong appeared at the trial this day, the court indicated it would reconsider the fine decision.

Meanwhile, the prosecution plans to submit the contents of the witness examination as evidence to Professor Jeong's trial court.

Professor Jeong is currently on trial at this court's Criminal Division 25-2 (Presiding Judge Im Jeong-yeop) on charges including illegal investment in private equity funds.

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