Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is seen shedding tears while greeting supporters as she leaves the Government Complex Gwacheon after the farewell ceremony held on the afternoon of January 27. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Nah Han-ah] Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who was cleared of charges related to preferential treatment for her children, was criticized by former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, who said, "There were so many suspicious points... (Na Kyung-won) is enviable," criticizing the prosecution's investigation.
On the afternoon of the 5th, former Minister Choo appeared on the YouTube program "Kim Eo-jun's Das Boida" and said, "My son completed his military service and barely took any leave, but he was raided for taking sick leave. How is it possible that (former lawmaker Na) was never summoned for over a dozen allegations and was cleared of charges? Does she have some special technique? Maybe she should take private lessons," she pointed out.
Earlier, the prosecution decided not to indict in all 13 cases filed last year related to former lawmaker Na. Since September last year, civic groups including the People's Livelihood Economy Research Institute filed complaints 13 times with the prosecution against former lawmaker Na regarding her children's admission irregularities, privatization of the Special Olympics Korea (SOK) corporation, and allegations of corruption at Heungsin Academy.
The prosecution ruled that there was insufficient evidence for the allegations that former lawmaker Na corrected her daughter's university grades and for budget corruption related to the Pyeongchang Winter Special Olympics Organizing Committee and SOK, and dismissed the charges.
Charges related to preferential treatment in the admission of former lawmaker Na's daughter to Sungshin Women's University, the hiring of a secretary by a staff member at the Pyeongchang Special Olympics Organizing Committee, and the appointment of the daughter's department head professor as artistic director for the SOK opening and closing ceremonies were all dismissed due to the statute of limitations. The case accusing former lawmaker Na of illegally hiring acquaintances' children while serving as SOK president was also closed without charges.
The prosecution also dismissed allegations that former lawmaker Na's son was fraudulently listed as the "first author" on a poster (research presentation) at Seoul National University College of Medicine during high school. However, the parts concerning the submission of a poster listing him as the "fourth author" to a foreign academic conference and the fraudulent admission to Yale University were put on temporary suspension pending the results of criminal judicial cooperation with U.S. investigative authorities.
On the same day, former Minister Choo referred to the prosecution's investigation of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk regarding preferential treatment in her son's military service, saying, "Having gone through it, I understand now. How difficult it must have been for her. I truly think the whole family is admirable."
Referring to Professor Jung Kyung-shim, former Minister Choo said, "Madam is currently incarcerated. Imagine your wife and mother being imprisoned. How could one endure that?" and added, "You cannot gauge someone else's wounds unless you have experienced them."
Recalling the "Cho Kuk incident" that occurred a few months before the 21st general election, she said, "I was in the party at that time. I distanced myself from (former Minister Cho) fearing it would be disadvantageous in the election," adding, "I regret not knowing that pain a little earlier."
Regarding her future plans or political comeback timing, she said, "It is not something I can decide," but added, "After COVID-19, it is unclear how things will change. We need to think together. If the people ask me to do anything for a hopeful Korea where we live well together, I will gladly devote everything I have."
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