[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon claimed on the 6th regarding the allegations of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son not returning from military leave, "It only needs to be confirmed whether he returned to the unit and then applied for an extension of leave, or if the leave extension was approved without him returning."
In a post on his Facebook that day, former professor Jin said, "If the senior soldier called and told him to return, and he just said 'Okay' without mentioning that he had received an extension of leave, then he was already AWOL at that time."
Minister Choo, on the 1st at the National Assembly Judiciary Committee, responded to media reports about the investigation into her son Seo Mo (27) not returning from military leave by saying, "My son's personal matters have been leaked to the media in detail," and added, "I am once again amazed at the severity of the collusion between the prosecution and the media."
She also said, "My child is very angry and shedding tears."
Regarding this, former professor Jin said, "Don't cry. Don't cry. The sergeant says they don't give leave to crying kids," and added, "When I was in the military, a senior didn't return from leave on the last day because of a breakup. He came back the next day looking pale and was immediately sent to the military jail."
Earlier, on the 1st, former professor Jin criticized Minister Choo's explanation about Seo not returning from leave due to health reasons, saying, "Is there no hospital in the military these days?" and explained, "If you really want to go to a private hospital, you just need to get a half-day pass. Even those who have back pain from carrying heavy loads and can't stand for long have stood guard duty."
He sarcastically added, "The seniors say it's malingering. Kids who have mothers who don't take care of them properly suffer like that during their military service and then get discharged."
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