Interview Investigation with Chairperson Jo Hee-kyung Scheduled for the 25th of Next Month
Seoul National University Hospital Submits Health Records of Chairman Cho Yang-rae
[Asia Economy Reporter Sung Ki-ho] Ahead of the adult guardianship trial of Cho Yang-rae, chairman of Korea Technology (formerly Korea Tire holding company) Group, a family investigation for the case is set to begin. In this regard, the investigation of Jo Hee-kyung, chairperson of the Korea Tire Nanum Foundation and the claimant in the case, is scheduled to start next month. It is also reported that Seoul National University Hospital recently sent health-related documents of Chairman Cho to the court. This marks the beginning of the formal trial process concerning Chairman Cho's health issues.
According to the legal community on the 17th, the Seoul Family Court will hold an interview investigation with Chairperson Jo on the 25th of next month. The interview investigation is conducted following the family court's order for a family investigation. Family investigations are a unique procedure of the family court where the court examines the necessity of adult guardianship. They are mainly conducted when there are disagreements among family members or disputes over property relations.
With the court ordering the family investigation, Chairman Cho's children will also be called to testify. The first testimony will be from the claimant, Chairperson Jo. It is known that Chairperson Jo plans to testify directly at the court regarding the case. However, the schedule and attendance of interviews for the other siblings have not yet been confirmed.
Another variable is the documents regarding Chairman Cho's health condition submitted by Seoul National University Hospital. The court requested document submission from Seoul National University Hospital and its Gangnam Center last month. The documents are expected to include records of Chairman Cho's past medical treatments.
Since this case began with concerns about Chairman Cho's health, mental health is expected to be a central issue in the trial. In this regard, the claimant, Chairperson Jo, has requested the court to review the records. It is also reported that if necessary after reviewing the materials, they plan to request an expert evaluation.
The trial itself is not expected to conclude quickly. Family investigation orders typically take four to five months. Therefore, it is difficult to schedule a judgment date within this year. In the case of the late Shin Kyuk-ho, honorary chairman of Lotte Group, the Supreme Court's final ruling took about one year and six months.
There is another variable. President Cho Hyun-beom is currently on trial for charges including receiving bribes from partner companies. While he was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial, the prosecution requested the court to sentence him to four years in prison during the appeal trial's closing arguments. If the first trial's verdict and the second trial's prosecution request are confirmed as is, it is expected to restrict President Cho's participation in management, which could negatively affect the management rights dispute.
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