Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who was indicted on charges of entrance exam fraud and covering up an inspection, is attending a trial held on November 14 at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The final defense hearing of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who has been indicted on charges including admission bribery for his children and covering up an inspection, will be held on the 2nd.
On that day, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21-1 (Presiding Judge Ma Seongyoung, Judges Kim Jeonggon and Jang Yongbeom) will conduct the closing arguments for Cho, who has been charged with bribery, obstruction of official duties by deception, and obstruction of business.
Typically, in closing arguments, the prosecution first presents their final opinion and sentencing request, followed by the defendant's lawyer's final defense, and lastly, the defendant's final statement.
The procedure for concluding Cho's defense has been conducted over three sessions according to each charge. On the 11th of last month, the court concluded the defense procedure regarding the charge of covering up the inspection of Yoo Jae-su, former Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Busan. In relation to this, the prosecution requested prison sentences of 2 years and 1 year and 6 months respectively for Baek Won-woo, former Blue House Civil Affairs Secretary, and Park Hyung-cheol, former Blue House Anti-Corruption Secretary, who were indicted together.
On the 18th of the same month, the defense regarding the admission bribery charges was concluded. Cho's spouse, former Dongyang University professor Jeong Gyeongshim, was sentenced to 2 years in prison as an accomplice in this case. Jeong is accused of falsifying her son's school records and obtaining a false internship certificate. In January, Jeong was sentenced to 4 years in prison by the Supreme Court for forging her daughter's Dongyang University award certificate and exerting undue influence on admissions (including obstruction of business).
At this hearing, the charge that Cho Kuk received bribes under the pretext of a scholarship for his daughter at the Busan National University Medical School will be addressed. Cho and Roh Hwanjoong, director of Busan Medical Center, are expected to attend the hearing.
The court will listen to the final opinions of both the prosecution and Cho Kuk, conclude the defense, and then set the date for the verdict. The sentencing hearing is generally held 3 to 4 weeks after the conclusion of the defense, so the first trial verdict could come within this year at the earliest. However, considering the large amount of evidence and the court's winter recess during the year-end and New Year period, the verdict may be delivered around January next year.
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