'Woongdong Hakwon Corruption' Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk's Brother Cho Gwon Sentenced in First Trial Today

Cho Kwon, the younger brother of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The first trial verdict for Cho Kwon, the younger brother of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who was indicted on allegations of corruption related to Woongdong Academy, will be announced on the 18th.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 (Presiding Judge Kim Miri) will hold the sentencing hearing for Cho, who was charged with breach of trust under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, in the afternoon. Cho's sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for the 31st of last month but was postponed due to a temporary recess caused by the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Cho, who worked as the secretary-general of Woongdong Academy, was indicted for securing construction payment claims based on false construction work and conducting a 'self lawsuit' against Woongdong Academy, causing damages of 11.5 billion won to the school corporation. He is also accused of receiving 180 million won from two applicants during the hiring of teachers at Woongdong Middle School, handing over exam questions and answer sheets, and attempting to destroy evidence once the prosecution investigation began.

Cho's side acknowledged the allegations of teacher hiring corruption during the trial but denied the other four charges, including breach of trust and evidence tampering. The prosecution requested the court to sentence Cho, who led the crimes, to six years in prison and impose a fine of 147 million won, stating that a heavy sentence is inevitable.

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