Cho Kuk: "Jeong Gyeong-sim's '4-Year Prison Sentence' Like a Bolt from the Blue, Will Appeal"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] On the 23rd, former Dongyang University professor Jung Kyung-shim, who was sentenced to four years in prison in the first trial on charges including private equity fund and college entrance exam corruption, received support from her husband, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who said, "It is shocking," and expressed his intention to appeal, stating, "Although the situation is bewildering and overwhelming, I still want to trust the judiciary."

On the 25th, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk posted on his Facebook, "Immediately after the December 23rd verdict, which was like a bolt from the blue, Professor Jung Kyung-shim's legal team submitted an appeal," adding, "Regarding the sentence, Professor Jung and her legal team will contest the evidence and legal opinions that the first trial court completely rejected in the appellate trial."

He also said, "(In Professor Jung's first trial verdict) all explanations regarding the 'collusion' part with me were also rejected, but this part will be addressed in my trial." Former Minister Cho is currently undergoing a separate trial related to college entrance exam corruption and the cover-up of Yoo Jae-soo's inspection at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21.

Former Minister Cho added, "Although the situation is bewildering and overwhelming, I want to believe in the fundamental principle of 'when in doubt, favor the defendant' and the role of the judiciary."

Earlier, about 30 minutes after the court's first trial verdict on Professor Jung on the 23rd, former Minister Cho expressed his distress, saying, "The result of Professor Jung Kyung-shim's first trial verdict is an enormous shock," and "Perhaps this ordeal was an unavoidable fate when I was nominated as Minister of Justice," adding, "It seems I have to walk a thorny path. I will immediately appeal and contest the verdict."

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