Jodongyeon’s Side: "Unwanted Pregnancy Due to Sexual Violence... Could Not Report Due to Closed Military Atmosphere"

"Stop the Reports and Criticism Directed at the Family"

Professor Jo Dong-yeon, Department of Military Studies, Seokyeong University.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Yang Tae-jung, the attorney representing Professor Cho Dong-yeon of Seokyeong University’s Department of Military Studies, who resigned from his position as co-chairman of the Democratic Party’s joint election countermeasures committee amid allegations of an extramarital child, stated that "(Professor Cho) became pregnant unwillingly due to a horrific sexual assault by a third party in August 2010."

Yang, who is the deputy head of the Democratic Party’s election committee legal support team, issued a statement on the afternoon of the 5th, saying, "(Professor Cho) became pregnant unwillingly due to sexual violence but is taking responsibility for that life."

Attorney Yang explained the circumstances at the time, saying, "Due to the closed culture within the military, the social atmosphere, and family illnesses, she could not even bring herself to report it externally." He added, "At that time, Professor Cho Dong-yeon’s marital relationship was effectively broken, so out of religious belief that she could not kill the life in her womb, she took responsibility alone and gave birth with the intention to raise the child." He continued, "Although Professor Cho never received compensation or an apology from the perpetrator after the sexual assault, she is doing her best to lovingly care for and raise her children."

Yang also said, "After her divorce, Professor Cho was introduced to and met her current spouse. She disclosed the above facts to her current spouse and his parents as well. They all understood and sincerely comforted her. Thanks to their support, Professor Cho has built a happy family with her current spouse and children."

Furthermore, Attorney Yang stated, "Professor Cho’s children have no connection whatsoever with former Ministry of National Defense Policy Director Cha Young-gu, who has been mentioned in the media," and added, "Former Director Cha Young-gu, who has been harmed by false information, has also expressed his intention to take legal action, including criminal complaints against organizations such as the Garosero Research Institute, as soon as possible."

Additionally, Yang earnestly requested, "Professor Cho’s young children and family have done nothing wrong, so we sincerely ask that reporting and criticism against them cease," and concluded by saying, "I would like to take this opportunity to deeply apologize once again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."