Jung Kyung-shim Collapses During Trial... 'Absence' Decision

Health Deterioration Leads to Withdrawal Measures

Professor Jeong Kyung-shim, Dongyang University / Photo by Honam Moon munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Professor Jeong Gyeong-sim of Dongyang University collapsed during a trial related to admission fraud and private equity fund allegations and was urgently transported. Accordingly, Professor Jeong's trial was switched to a closed session just one hour after it resumed.

On the morning of the 17th, during her continuation trial held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25-2 (Presiding Judge Lim Jeong-yeop), Professor Jeong suddenly collapsed while standing up from the defendant's seat. The court officer reported to 119, and the court managed the situation by dismissing the audience, including the press, except for the parties involved. It was reported that Professor Jeong's health had rapidly deteriorated recently. Two days earlier, when she appeared as a witness at the trial of Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, she was limping.

During the trial that day, Professor Jeong showed signs of health issues about 30 minutes after the session began. Her lawyer, Kim Chil-jun, said, "Professor Jeong has been feeling very unwell since the morning. She is currently nauseous and in pain, so if possible, could she rest in the waiting area?" After consultation, the court decided to recess. The presiding judge said, "You may freely go to the back seats, but leaving the courtroom requires a procedure." After about a 10-minute recess, when the trial resumed, the lawyer again requested her withdrawal. Lawyer Kim said, "Her condition is quite serious, and since she has to continue the trial in the future, it might be better for her to receive treatment today," adding, "I agree to proceed with the trial in her absence."

Ultimately, with the prosecution's consent, the court permitted Professor Jeong to leave the courtroom. With the court's approval, Professor Jeong tried to stand up from the defendant's seat to exit. However, she suddenly collapsed as if her legs gave out and remained motionless afterward. Fortunately, she did not lose consciousness and is currently being treated at a nearby hospital.