Prosecutors Deny Jeong Gyeong-shim's 'Suspension of Sentence Execution'... Review Committee Says "Not Possible at This Stage"

Deliberation Committee "Comprehensive Review of Submitted Materials, Inspection Results, and Medical Advisory Opinions"
Former Professor Jeong's Side "Disk Rupture and Stenosis Require Prompt Surgery"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] Jeong Gyeong-sim, former professor at Dongyang University, who is serving a 4-year prison sentence confirmed for charges including admission bribery involving her children and violations of the Capital Markets Act related to private equity funds, applied for a suspension of sentence execution due to health reasons, but the prosecution did not accept it.

On the 18th at 2 p.m., the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office held a review committee meeting for the suspension of sentence execution requested by former professor Jeong, chaired by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Park Ki-dong. After the review, it was decided not to grant the suspension. The committee consisted of seven members: three internal prosecutors and three external members from academia, the legal profession, and the medical field.

The review committee comprehensively examined the submitted documents by former professor Jeong, on-site investigation results, and opinions from medical advisory members, concluding that suspension of sentence execution is not possible at this stage.

Song Kyung-ho, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and the final decision-maker, respected the committee's judgment and decided to deny the suspension of sentence execution.

Earlier, on the 1st, former professor Jeong's side applied to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office for suspension of sentence execution, stating that "urgent surgery is needed due to a herniated disc, stenosis, and paralysis of the lower limbs." According to legal circles, she experienced several falls inside the detention center around June to July. On the 22nd of last month, after the trial ended, medical examination results indicated a herniated disc requiring urgent surgery, as recommended by medical staff.

Our Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that suspension of sentence execution may be granted when there is concern that the execution of a sentence of imprisonment, detention, or confinement may severely harm health or threaten life; when the person is aged 70 or older; when more than six months pregnant; within 60 days after childbirth; when a direct ascendant is aged 70 or older or seriously ill or disabled with no other relatives to provide care; when a direct descendant is a minor with no other relatives to provide care; or when other serious reasons exist.

Former professor Jeong was sentenced to 4 years in prison by the Supreme Court in January for false credentials related to her daughter Cho Min and charges related to private equity funds. She is also undergoing first trial at the Seoul Central District Court along with her husband, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, on charges including falsifying her son's school records and obtaining false internship certificates.