Jin Joong-kwon: "Gong Ji-young, Why Does She Protect Other People's Families... An Interesting Character"

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon Facebook Statement

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon sarcastically questioned writer Gong Ji-young, who supports former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, saying, "Why are you protecting someone else's family?"

On the 21st, former professor Jin shared Gong Ji-young's remarks on his Facebook, saying, "Anyway, an interesting character. The phone call content was presented as evidence during the trial. Since this person lacks understanding, it seems she confused it with the pre-indictment disclosure of suspect facts," he said.

The remarks by writer Gong Ji-young shared by former professor Jin contained content defending former Minister Cho Kuk, which Gong posted on her own Facebook on the same day. Gong wrote, "(Former Minister Cho) did not commit murder, nor did he engage in state power manipulation or coup plotting, so isn't it you (the prosecution) who should be accused for disclosing texts exchanged in someone else's family?" She added, "Since it has come to this, reveal the reply texts as well. Work, do this, do that," she wrote.

The controversial 'text and call contents' were presented as evidence by the prosecution during the trial of Cho Beom-dong, former Minister Cho's fifth cousin, held on the 20th at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 24 (Chief Judge So Byung-seok). The evidence included text messages and recordings between Jung Kyung-shim, former Minister Cho's wife and Dongyang University professor, and asset manager Kim Kyung-rok.

When Kim suggested finding an investment destination where a blind trust could be established, Professor Jung replied to Kim, "I will ask my husband and then decide," and during this process, conversations such as "We really have to sell everything. Is there anywhere to tie it up? This is frustrating. Should we invest in real estate?" were exchanged.

The prosecution pointed out that this indicated "circumstances showing that the couple closely consulted during the stock disposal process." High-ranking public officials and their spouses must sell or place stocks exceeding 30 million won into a blind trust to ensure fairness in official duties. The prosecution judged that Professor Jung was aware of this but met with Cho Beom-dong to discuss investing in a private equity fund.

Additionally, the prosecution claimed that former Minister Cho's explanation that he "could not have known about the private equity fund investment" was also false.