Jin Joong-kwon on Cho Kuk Creating a 'Tip Account': "It's a Sign He Wants to Return to Politics"

Jokook "Request for Reports of False or Exaggerated Articles and YouTube Content" Announces Legal Action

Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon is giving a lecture on the topic "Speaking about Korean Society: The Future of Ideology, Generation, and Culture" at an Economic and Social Research Institute seminar held on the afternoon of the 2nd at Choi In-ah Bookstore in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk criticized former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon on the 23rd for creating an email account to receive reports of false news about himself and his family, calling it "a sign that he intends to return to politics."

On the same day, Cho Kuk revealed the email address through his Facebook, stating, "Many citizens send false and exaggerated press releases related to my case to my school email," and added, "I opened an account for separate management."

He continued, "If you find problematic news articles, YouTube content, comments, or other online posts, please send them to the above account," and said, "I will review them and file civil and criminal lawsuits."

In response, Professor Jin shared an article on his Facebook on the same day, which included the headline "Former Minister Cho Kuk declares war on the media," and made the above remarks.

Previously, on the 22nd, Professor Jin had criticized Cho Kuk by calling him "Naeronambul (double standards: 'If I do it, it's romance; if others do it, it's an affair')."

He criticized Cho Kuk, who announced legal action against the media, saying, "He was the one who said that even if partial falsehoods were revealed in the media verification process of a public figure, legal sanctions should not be imposed. Now, declaring legal action against media companies is double standards no matter how many times I reread his theses and books."

He added, "Especially, didn't he say, 'For public figures, arbitrary verification, harsh jeers, and ridicule are allowed'? Then allow it. Recognize it as freedom of expression," emphasizing this by quoting a post Cho Kuk had uploaded on his Twitter account in the past, seemingly criticizing his changed attitude.

Photo by Screenshot of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk's Twitter page

In 2013, Cho Kuk stated on his Twitter, "Citizens and the media cannot have perfect information about 'public figures.' Therefore, even if partial falsehoods are revealed in the verification process of public figures, legal sanctions should not be imposed."

He also posted, "Citizens obsessed with editing and delusions, as well as trash-like media, have freedom of expression. Especially for public figures, arbitrary verification, harsh jeers, and ridicule are allowed."

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