Trial on 'Admission Fraud'... Yonsei University Staff Says "Jo Guk's Son's Application Process Lacked Fairness"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who was indicted on charges including allegations of covering up an inspection and admission fraud involving his children, is attending the continued first trial session held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 10th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] In the trial of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and Professor Jeong Gyeongshim of Dongyang University, who are accused of 'children's admission corruption,' a staff member in charge of admissions at Yonsei University Graduate School during their son Cho's application said, "the application process was unusual and unfair."

On the 10th, the 21-1 Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ma Seongyoung) held the 17th hearing of the couple, who were indicted on charges including obstruction of business.

On this day, the prosecutor argued that Cho submitted documents with initially blank career sections during his 2018 Yonsei University Graduate School application, then resubmitted documents with seven false career entries added by cutting and pasting supporting materials, thereby undermining the fairness of admissions. These included internship certificates from the Seoul National University Human Rights Law Center and from the law firm of Choi Kangwook, leader of the Open Democratic Party.

A staff member A, who appeared as a witness and was in charge of admissions at Yonsei University at the time, explained, "Once submitted, application documents cannot be modified (according to regulations)." When asked by the prosecutor whether modifying the application was unfair, he replied, "Yes," and also said, "I was surprised to see paper cutouts pasted onto the application, which is not allowed during submission."

A continued, "This was an unusual situation because it is a screening process where one can pass by submitting only the required documents. I wondered why it was done this way." The court scheduled the next hearing for the 8th of next month and decided to summon professors from Chungbuk National University Law School, where Cho applied, as witnesses.

Meanwhile, former Minister Cho, upon appearing in court that day, commented on allegations that the prosecution under former Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyoul colluded to file complaints against opposition party members and pro-government figures, saying, "There are indications of acts that disrupt the national order."

Cho said, "I believe it is necessary to review the complaints filed against Moon Jaein government officials, including myself, but I will approach the trial with a more humble attitude."

Former Minister Cho was first indicted in December 2019 on charges of admission corruption and was additionally indicted in January of the following year on allegations of covering up the inspection of former Busan Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs Yoo Jae-su.

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