Jung Kyung-shim's 'Admission Fraud' First Trial Ends After 30 Minutes Due to Back Pain Complaint

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and former Dongyang University professor Jeong Gyeong-sim

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The trial of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and his wife, former Dongyang University professor Jung Kyung-shim, who are accused of 'children's admission corruption' and other charges, was adjourned after about 30 minutes due to the deterioration of Jung's health condition on the 19th.

At 10 a.m. that day, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21-1 (Presiding Judge Ma Seong-yeong, Kim Jeong-gon, Jang Yong-beom) held a continuation of the trial on charges including obstruction of business against the former minister and his wife.

Jung's defense attorney stated, "We believe her condition will gradually improve, but she is currently in severe pain," and appealed that it was difficult to proceed with the trial that day. They also suggested to the court to consider taking a longer recess for treatment. After about 15 minutes of discussion, the court announced that the trial would be ended early that day.

Former Minister Cho Kuk appeared at the court that day but entered the courtroom without responding to reporters' questions about his "position on the denial of Jung's suspension of sentence" and "Jung's physical condition."

Previously, Jung had applied for suspension of sentence execution due to health reasons, but the prosecution did not accept it. Jung is currently serving a four-year prison sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court in January for allegations related to her daughter Cho Min's false credentials and private equity fund involvement. She is also on trial with former Minister Cho in the first trial for charges including falsifying her son's school records and obtaining false internship certificates.

On the 1st, Jung's side applied for suspension of sentence execution to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, stating that "urgent surgery is needed for a herniated disc, stenosis, and lower limb paralysis." According to legal circles, she suffered several falls inside the detention center around June to July. On the 22nd of last month, after the trial ended, medical examinations revealed a herniated disc, and medical staff recommended urgent surgery.

Under our Criminal Procedure Act, the execution of a sentence may be suspended if the person sentenced to imprisonment, detention, or confinement is at risk of significant health deterioration or life-threatening conditions due to the execution of the sentence; is aged 70 or older; is more than six months pregnant; has not passed 60 days since childbirth; has a direct ascendant aged 70 or older or seriously ill or disabled with no other relatives to protect them; has a direct descendant who is a minor with no other relatives to protect them; or has other serious reasons.