▲ Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk to appear in court
Prosecutors referred to the crimes of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and Dongyang University professor Jeong Kyeong-shim, who appeared in court as defendants, as "a time of forgery".
Seoul Central District Court Criminal Settlement Division 21-1 Division Chief Judges Ma Seong-young, Kim Sang-yeon, and Jang Yong-beom held a follow-up trial today (11th) with former Minister Cho and Professor Jeong.
Prosecutors explained, "[Daughter's] false career was created in 'Time of Forgery', explaining the allegations of corruption in the children's entrance exams of the former minister and wife.
'Time for Counterfeiting' is interpreted as an indirect criticism of the crimes of the homeland family by comparing it to the title of a book titled 'Time for the Fatherland' recently published by former Minister Cho Kuk.
In response, former Minister Cho's lawyer said, "The prosecutor said 'the seven major corruptions' and 'the time of forgery', but in other trials, he also mentioned 'the dream of the Gangnam Building' and 'the inheritance of wealth'." I hope that the trial will take place calmly, using terms that are similar to the facts of the charges.”
Former Minister Cho and Professor Jeong appeared in court together for the first time since they were handed over to trial together on charges of corruption in children's entrance exams at the end of December 2019.
Professor Jeong, who was sentenced to prison in the first trial and arrested, was transported to the court in a convoy from the detention center, and former Minister Cho appeared in court by driving his own car.
The two made eye contact in the courtroom, but did not show long conversations or greetings.
(Photo = Yonhap News)