Choo Mi-ae to Jang Je-won on 'Son's Solitary Confinement Privilege Controversy': "Reflect by Watching 'Juvenile Judgment'"

Choo: "We Must Empathize with Others' Children with a Heart of Reciprocity"
Previously Clashed with Jang Je-won over 'Juvenile Detention New Year's Bow Video'
Jang Je-won on Son's 'Solitary Confinement Privilege Controversy': "A Disgraceful Prank, Will Pursue Strict Legal Responsibility"

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae recently criticized Rep. Jang Je-won of the People Power Party, who has been embroiled in controversy over special treatment involving his son's solitary confinement.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae recently called for reflection from Rep. Jang Je-won of the People Power Party, who has been embroiled in controversy over his son’s preferential treatment in solitary confinement.

On the 3rd, Choo posted on her Facebook, "There is a lawmaker who feels very uncomfortable, saying it is being 'politically exploited' when his child is criticized for receiving preferential solitary confinement in a detention center. He is known as a key figure in Yoon’s camp (Yoon Seok-yeol People Power Party presidential candidate’s core associates) and also as the plenipotentiary for unification," referring to Rep. Jang.

Referring to the Netflix hit series Youth Judgment, Choo sarcastically said, "I strongly recommend 'Youth Judgment,' starring Kim Hye-soo, which properly publicizes the issues of juvenile offenders to that person. As a member of the National Assembly, one should empathize with others’ children and it would also help in understanding society."

She addressed Rep. Jang, saying, "Two years ago, as Minister of Justice, I visited a juvenile detention center on Lunar New Year morning to encourage them with a parental heart. Parents are waiting, and society is waiting. If parents are unable to fulfill that role, I wanted to convey the loving heart that society and the nation exist." She added, "(Yet) the very People Power Party lawmaker who mocked that act as 'abuse of power' is now the same person who feels wronged over his child’s issue."

Rep. Jang had previously criticized former Minister Choo on March 4, 2020, during a full meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, calling her visit to the juvenile detention center and receiving New Year’s bows from inmates inappropriate.

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae posted on her Facebook on the 3rd, criticizing Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party. Photo by Former Minister Choo's Facebook capture

Meanwhile, Rep. Jang refuted some claims that his son, Jang Yong-jun, currently incarcerated in a detention center, is receiving preferential solitary confinement. On the 2nd, he posted on his Facebook, "I will hold those responsible for the filthy reports and attacks, which are playing dirty games again right before the presidential election, accountable both criminally and civilly until the end," emphasizing, "Since the issue with my son arose, I clearly state that I have never intervened in any way."

Rep. Jang continued, "After the reports came out, I checked with the lawyer and heard that my son Yong-jun actually wanted to share a cell, but the detention center decided on solitary confinement due to management issues," expressing his feelings, "It is absurd to call it preferential treatment when my son has been living in solitary confinement for over five months. It brings me to tears."

He also warned, "I will thoroughly investigate and reveal the truth to the public against any media or informants who maliciously report with political intent by exploiting others’ misfortunes, and I will hold them strictly legally accountable."

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