Jung Kyung-shim and Son Selected as Witnesses in Choi Kang-wook Trial... Court Summons for September 15

Professor Jung Kyung-shim of Dongyang University, wife of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Sung-pil] Professor Jeong Gyeong-shim of Dongyang University has been summoned as a witness in the trial of Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, who was indicted on charges of falsifying his son's internship verification letter.

Judge Jeong Jong-geon of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 9 announced on the 23rd during the trial of former leader Choi, who was prosecuted for obstruction of business, that Professor Jeong and her son Jo Mo would be called as witnesses and that the examination would proceed on September 15.

The prosecution requested these witnesses. The prosecution stated, "Regarding this case, Professor Jeong exercised her right to remain silent about her son's internship activities, so it was not proven," and added, "To uncover the substantive truth, it is necessary to hear the testimonies of the parties involved in the falsification of the internship, Professor Jeong and her son Jo, in court."

Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, indicted on charges of issuing a false internship certificate to the son of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the other hand, Choi's defense attorney took a negative stance on calling Professor Jeong and Jo as witnesses. The defense argued, "Since Professor Jeong is currently on trial for another case, the witness examination would be meaningless," and added, "She may exercise her right to remain silent." In response, the prosecution countered, "It is not appropriate to assume in advance that the right to remain silent will be exercised and to dismiss the witness request," reiterating their position.

The court also did not accept the defense's opinion. The court stated, "Exercising the right to remain silent and being summoned to court are separate matters." Furthermore, the court allocated equal time for the examination of Professor Jeong and her son, granting one hour each to the prosecution and defense, totaling four hours.

Choi is accused of issuing a false internship verification letter for Jo in October 2017 while working as a lawyer at the law firm Cheongmaek, thereby obstructing graduate school admissions. This document was used in Jo's graduate school applications to Korea University and Yonsei University. Jo was ultimately admitted to the political science and diplomacy departments of Korea University and Yonsei University for the 2018 academic year. The prosecution believes that Professor Jeong requested the internship verification letter from Choi.

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