Jung Seongho: "Punishments Related to Cho Kuk Are Excessive... Overall Sentencing Is Unfair"

"Punishment of Cho Kuk's Family Excessive Even Considering Political Factors"
"Expulsion of Lawmaker Lee Junseok Should Be Approached with Caution"

Jung Seongho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the pardon and reinstatement of Cho Kuk, former representative of the Innovation Party, stating, "From the perspective of proportionality in punishment, I think such measures are necessary." On June 12, during an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Jung responded to the host's question, "It seems that when Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, visited the Innovation Party, there was talk about a pardon and reinstatement," by saying, "When I look at the punishments received by former representative Cho, his spouse Professor Chung Kyungshim, and their son and daughter, I believe something needs to be done."

Cho Kuk, former representative of the Innovation Party. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He continued, "This is a single case, yet the sentences received by the spouse and by former representative Cho, and then the children were reduced to 'high school graduates' and even had their graduate school admissions revoked." He added, "The overall sentencing is extremely unfair. Setting aside political considerations, these punishments were excessively disproportionate and unbalanced." Regarding the bills proposed the previous day by some Democratic Party lawmakers, such as the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office and the separation of indictment and investigation powers, he said, "When I asked, the lawmakers told me there was no coordination with the Presidential Office." He continued, "However, since the President has mentioned this several times and it was an election pledge, it seems they legislated it for that reason."

Regarding Oh Gwangsu, Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs, who has faced controversy over alleged real estate holdings under borrowed names, Jung said, "It does not appear to have been for speculative purposes," but added, "Since there are some illegal aspects, he should explain those parts clearly, seek the public's understanding, and then express regret for any shortcomings." On the National Assembly petition for the expulsion of Lee Junseok, a member of the Reform Party, he noted, "Looking at past precedents, aside from the expulsion of Kim Youngsam during President Park Chunghee's administration in 1979, there have been none." He argued, "In that sense, expelling a lawmaker elected by the sovereign people should be approached with caution."

Jung Seongho, Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Previously, on December 12, 2024, the Supreme Court's third division (presiding justice Eom Sangpil) upheld the original verdict sentencing former representative Cho to two years in prison and an order to forfeit 6 million won, on charges including admissions fraud involving his children and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. He has been incarcerated since December 16, 2024. Cho's wife, Chung Kyungshim, former professor at Dongyang University, was also sentenced to four years in prison and fined 50 million won in 2022 for charges including admissions fraud involving their children; her sentence was finalized in 2022, and she was granted parole in September 2023.

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