Jeoncheongjo "Still the public is interested... Will publish in prison and compensate for damages"

Jeon’s Side Emphasizes "Deep Reflection"
Security Chief Claims "Gaslighting Experienced"

Jeon Cheong-jo (27), who impersonated a third-generation chaebol heir and committed investment fraud worth tens of billions of won and marriage fraud, announced that he plans to compensate the victims by writing a book and generating income while in prison.

Photo by Yonhap News

This information emerged during the fourth trial session held on the 24th at the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Kim Byung-chul). During the defendant's questioning, Jeon's lawyer asked him, "Although you currently have no money and it is difficult to repay the victims, if you write a book while in prison, since there is still public interest, would you be willing to compensate the victims with the proceeds from book sales even while serving your sentence?" Jeon replied, "Yes, that is correct." On this day, Jeon's side repeatedly emphasized to the court that he is "deeply remorseful."

The trial then proceeded to a dispute over whether Lee (27), who worked as Jeon's security team leader, was an accomplice. Lee claimed that he was gaslighted by Jeon and followed his orders. Lee's lawyer asked him, "Since you acted like Jeon's slave, following all his orders and doing everything, did you experience psychological control from Jeon and therefore have a strong fear of him?" Lee answered, "Yes."

At the third trial session held earlier on the 22nd, Jeon testified, "Lee knew that I was not a Paradise (illegitimate child), yet he engaged in actions he should not have." He also said, "I have never denied any of my charges. I admitted all of them. I want to receive the maximum punishment for what I have done and later become honorable and upright." In response, the presiding judge sharply remarked, "Please think carefully about the proper usage of the words 'honorable' and 'upright.'"

Jeon was arrested and indicted on November 29 last year on charges including fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, forgery of official documents and use of forged official documents, and forgery of private documents and use of forged private documents. Jeon is accused of introducing himself as a third-generation chaebol heir and approaching 27 people, including seminar attendees and acquaintances he met through lectures, to collect over 3 billion won under the pretext of investment funds.

Nam Hyun-hee, a former national fencing representative and Jeon's romantic partner, has been registered as a co-conspirator in the fraud case and is under police investigation. On the 26th, a confrontation interrogation between Jeon and Nam will take place. Earlier, on the 16th, Nam posted on social media a photo titled "Words of a Fraudster" along with the statement, "I will prove through the prosecution and police investigation results that I am absolutely not an accomplice."

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