'Defending a Child Sexual Offender' and Accusing Her Father as the Perpetrator?… Jo Su-jin Finally "Apologizes"

Controversy Over Defense History of Sexual Crime Suspect
"Activities Compliant with Lawyer's Ethical Standards"

In the 4.15 general election Democratic Party primary, lawyer Jo Su-jin, who defeated incumbent lawmaker Park Yong-jin to run as the candidate for Seoul Gangbuk District, has been accused of referring to the victim's father as the perpetrator while defending a past child sexual assault offender. On the 20th, 'KBS' reported that Jo defended B, the gym owner accused of sexually assaulting A, a fourth-grade elementary school student, in the appellate trial last year. During this process, Jo reportedly mentioned A's father as the perpetrator, suggesting that "the infection could have come from sexual contact with someone else."

A was continuously sexually assaulted by B in 2017 and contracted sexually transmitted diseases, including human papillomavirus. Previously, the first trial court sentenced B to 10 years in prison.

Candidate Jo Su-jin (left) taking a photo with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (center) [Image source=Yonhap News]

Shin Jin-hee, the public defender specializing in victims at the Korea Legal Aid Corporation who was A's legal representative at the time, claimed this was a second victimization, stating, "The possibility of sexual assault by a third party was argued, and the third party even included family members. It is an absurd claim."

The appellate court dismissed B's appeal based on testimonies from gym students, psychological examinations of the victim, and opinions from obstetricians and gynecologists. The Supreme Court also upheld the original sentence of 10 years in prison.

Previously, Jo was embroiled in controversy for posting on her blog about her history of defending sex offenders accused of sexual assault and illegal filming, anecdotes about defending perpetrators of child sexual exploitation and abuse cases involving minors and obtaining suspended sentences, and writings suggesting the use of social "common sense" when defending sexual violence suspects. This recent report is expected to intensify criticism against her.

Earlier that day, in an MBC radio interview, Jo stated, "As a lawyer, I defended (sexual violence suspects) based on professional ethics and the law," and added, "I realized that the public holds different expectations for public officials, so I feel I have much to learn."

Following the growing controversy after the report, she sent a message to reporters explaining in detail, "My past defense of sex offenders and the promotion of such cases through my blog were activities conducted in compliance with the ethical standards of lawyers," and bowed her head, saying, "I apologize for causing concern as a candidate for the National Assembly starting politics in front of the public."

Women's groups demanded Jo's resignation. The ‘2024 General Election! Women Voters' Action, Upper,’ consisting of 146 organizations nationwide, stated, "We cannot help but doubt whether the Democratic Party has nomination criteria from a gender equality perspective," and urged, "Cancel Jo Su-jin's nomination and nominate a proper candidate." The Korean Women’s Political Network claimed, "Jo Su-jin should acknowledge that her career defending sexual violence suspects and promoting it disqualifies her from becoming a member of the National Assembly and resign."

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