The Family of Cho Kuk Shaking Jungkook, Court's Time... 'ing' Ahead of Recess Period

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] How has the court time been for the family of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who shook South Korea last year? Since Cho Kuk was the last among his family to be indicted on December 31 last year, more than half a year has passed, but the trial is still ongoing. As of the 20th, only the first trial of Cho Beom-dong, Cho Kuk’s fifth cousin, has concluded. One week before the court’s summer recess marking the end of the first half of this year, we look back on their time.

Investigation Cover-up Allegations Hearing... Political Motive Disputes Also Arise

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk [Image source=Yonhap News]

The trial of the controversial figure, former Minister Cho Kuk, is currently underway regarding the 'allegations of covering up the investigation of Yoo Jae-soo.' The case is being handled by the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 (Presiding Judge Kim Mi-ri). Former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Baek Won-woo and former Anti-Corruption Secretary Park Hyung-cheol stand alongside Cho Kuk in the defendant’s seat. Cho Kuk’s side completely denies the charges. They argue that the investigation into Yoo Jae-soo was not 'suspended' but 'terminated' as a result of exercising the authority of the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs. Former Secretary Baek and former Secretary Park also claim innocence. However, the situation is not easy. Many witnesses requested by the prosecution have appeared, giving testimonies that contradict Cho Kuk’s claims.

In Cho Kuk’s trial, disputes over 'political motives' have also emerged. The prosecution maintains that they were simply performing their duties, while Cho Kuk’s side argues that political context influenced the investigation and indictment. Amid these disputes, the presiding judge made a meaningful remark at a recent hearing: 'Gwajeonbulnalri Ihabujeonggwan,' meaning 'Do not adjust your shoes in a cucumber field, nor adjust your hat under a plum tree.' Cho Kuk’s next trial is scheduled for the 14th of next month. Former Financial Services Commission Chairman Choi Jun-koo and former Vice Chairman Kim Yong-beom will appear as witnesses.

Cho Beom-dong’s Trial Verdict Favors Private Equity Fund Allegations

Jeong Gyeong-shim, wife of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

The trial of his wife, Professor Jung Kyung-shim of Dongyang University, still has one hearing left before the summer recess. It is scheduled for the 23rd under the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25-2 (Presiding Judge Lim Jeong-yeop). Professor Jung’s trial is proceeding with three main charges: her children’s admission fraud, private equity fund involvement, and evidence tampering. So far, the hearings have mainly focused on the children’s admission fraud and private equity fund allegations.

Unlike the admission fraud case, where unfavorable testimonies have poured out during witness examinations, the private equity fund allegations seem to be progressing favorably for Professor Jung. On the 30th of last month, the Criminal Division 24 (Presiding Judge So Byung-seok) of the same court ruled in the sentencing trial of Cho Beom-dong that he was not an accomplice in two private equity fund-related charges. Although this ruling from another division is not binding, it is clearly a positive signal increasing the likelihood of a favorable verdict for Professor Jung. Interest in Professor Jung’s trial is expected to peak at the 25th hearing on September 3, after the recess. Her husband will appear as a witness at that trial.

Younger Brother Facing Sentencing, High Possibility of Imprisonment

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk's younger brother, Cho Kwon [Image source=Yonhap News]

Cho Kuk’s younger brother, Cho Kwon, who was indicted on allegations of corruption related to the nonprofit organization Ungdong Academy, is scheduled for sentencing on the 31st of next month. The defense resumed arguments regarding evidence tampering, and all hearings were completed on the 1st. Considering that two accomplices who played linking roles have already been sentenced to prison and are serving their terms, it is expected that a prison sentence for Cho Kwon is inevitable.

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