Asset Manager of Cho Kuk's Family Says "Urgent Need for Media and Prosecution Reform"... Prosecution Seeks 10 Months Imprisonment

Jeong Gyeong-sim, wife of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and a professor at Dongyang University, is attending a trial session related to 'admission corruption and private equity funds' and violations of the Capital Markets and Financial Investment Business Act at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 21st. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] "I never thought I would take an interest in media reform and prosecution reform during my lifetime. Experiencing this moment firsthand, I deeply realize that media reform and prosecution reform are important tasks not only for me as the party involved but for all of us."

Kim Kyung-rok, a private banker at Korea Investment & Securities who was indicted for replacing the hard disks of Professor Jung Kyung-shim of Dongyang University’s research office and home computer, acknowledged his charges but also criticized the media and prosecution.

At the sentencing hearing held on the 22nd at 2:30 p.m. under Judge Lee Jun-min of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 16, Kim stated in his final statement, "What I have earnestly felt over the past few months is to become someone who helps change the media and prosecution." He added, "Through my experience, I will strive to become a meaningful citizen who can contribute even a little."

Kim underwent several prosecution investigations last October regarding charges of evidence destruction, such as replacing the hard disk at Professor Jung’s home and removing the Dongyang University PC. During this process, his suspected facts were reported through the media.

Kim’s remarks on this day are interpreted as a veiled expression of grievance and dissatisfaction that the charges reported in the media were one-sided claims by the prosecution and that the facts were distorted.

However, Kim has shown acknowledgment of all charges against him in court so far. From the first trial, he accepted all evidence submitted by the prosecution and requested, "Please grant the maximum leniency allowed by law." On this day as well, Kim said, "I deeply reflect on my actions and vow never to repeat such behavior."

Kim’s defense attorney also stated in the final argument, "The defendant acknowledges all the prosecution’s charges and deeply reflects on them," and requested, "We hope the court will impose a fine so that the defendant can return to daily life and live sincerely." In criminal trials, acknowledgment of charges and sincere remorse are mitigating factors.

The prosecution demanded a 10-month prison sentence for Kim. The prosecution pointed out, "The crime of hiding materials related to the private equity fund at the beginning of the investigation under Professor Jung’s instructions, despite knowing that a prosecution search could be conducted, is serious." The court concluded all arguments on this day and decided to hold the sentencing hearing on the 26th of next month.