[On-site Video] "Protecting Joguk" vs "Fair Investigation" 'Joguk Father and Daughter' Trial... Citizens in Heated Debate

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] “Protect Cho Kuk, Cho Kuk is innocent!” , “Yoon Seok-yeol also investigated the Moon Jae-in administration!”

As Cho Min, the daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who is the subject of the college entrance exam fraud allegations, refused to testify in court on the 25th and expressed her innocence, supporters of former Minister Cho gathered in front of the Seoul Central District Court where the trial was held to cheer for him.

Citizens gathered at the scene raised their voices holding Cho’s memoir, Jogeuk-ui Sigan (The Time of Cho Kuk), claiming that the charges against former Minister Cho are groundless.

A man in his 40s, office worker A, said, “I heard Cho Min sobbing in court,” and added, “I took out a handkerchief and cried with her.” He then expressed frustration, saying, “I think this trial itself is absurd.”

He continued, “As former Minister Cho said, ‘The book was written with the blood of the family,’ it systematically refutes the case criminalized by the prosecution and all media.” He emphasized, “I believe this book was written with the intention of informing the public of these facts.”

Also, a company employee in his 50s, B, said, “I don’t know if there was actual college entrance exam fraud involving the children, but I don’t understand the claim that the certificate of commendation was forged.” He also pointed out, “President Moon Jae-in appointed the clean former Minister Cho as Minister of Justice, so I don’t understand why a targeted investigation was conducted while the President was on an overseas trip.”

On the other hand, a conservative-leaning citizen mentioned former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and emphasized that the investigation into former Minister Cho’s charges was fair because Yoon also investigated personnel from the Moon Jae-in administration.

A man in his 40s, office worker C, said, “Regarding Yoon Seok-yeol’s candidacy, as a conservative supporter, I think Yoon is someone who investigated not only right-wing administrations but also the Moon Jae-in administration,” adding, “That’s why he has high approval ratings and support from the moderate faction, I think.”