"Hyosung Brothers' Rebellion" Cho Hyun-moon Denies Coercion Attempt Charges at First Trial

Former Hyosung Group Vice Chairman Cho Hyun-moon, who was indicted on charges of attempted coercion related to the so-called 'Hyosung Brothers' Rebellion,' denied the charges at his first trial.

Seoul Central District Court. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

On the 3rd, Judge Choi Min-hye of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 26 presided over Cho's first hearing.

Previously, Cho, the second son of the Hyosung family, filed complaints and accusations against his older brother, Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, and key executives, alleging embezzlement and breach of trust in 2014.

He was brought to trial on charges of attempted coercion for demanding an apology if a press release announcing his resignation and defamation against his wife were distributed when he left Hyosung in 2013, threatening to expose corrupt practices if his demands were not met.

Cho's defense attorney stated, "The prosecution's allegations are not true," adding, "The statute of limitations has long passed." He also argued, "The intention to resign was communicated through a representative, and the request to distribute the press release was a follow-up measure; there was no intimidation during the process."

Upon appearing in court that day, Cho told reporters, "I am deeply distressed to stand here as my efforts to make Hyosung a transparent company have turned into a forced case."

He added, "Chairman Cho and Hyosung have slandered and persecuted me for over a decade to cover up their own corruption and wrongdoing. This lawsuit is retaliation against me," and said, "I only said we should not commit crimes. I do not know if that is considered a crime."

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