Prosecutors Deny Jeong Gyeong-shim's 'Suspension of Sentence Execution'... Jeong's Side Claims "Incapable of Movement"

Former Dongyang University professor Jung Kyung-shim, who is on trial for allegations of admission fraud involving her child, is seen leaving the Seoul Central District Court building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in a wheelchair after finishing the trial on the morning of the 18th of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] Former Dongyang University professor Jeong Gyeong-sim, whose request for an extension of her suspension of sentence execution was denied, has requested a reconsideration, but the prosecution stated that there are no regulations for reconsideration and plans to re-incarcerate her on the 4th.

The law firm Dasan, representing former professor Jeong, announced on the 2nd, "We have submitted a petition for reconsideration to the prosecution, earnestly requesting once again to review the decision to deny the extension of the suspension of sentence execution on humanitarian grounds."

Jeong’s side explained, "The defendant is still unable to recover from the aftereffects of two surgeries under general anesthesia at one-month intervals, and due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, her rehabilitation treatment has been reset to the starting point, making independent walking and even movement itself impossible."

They also emphasized, "If she returns to the detention center in this condition, the narrow environment where even space for walking aids is not secured, the limitations of the detention facility where no care to prevent falls can be provided, and the absence of intensive rehabilitation treatment that should be received at a general hospital make the possibility of another fall accident very high, which could result in truly irreversible consequences, causing serious concern."

Earlier, the prosecution suspended the execution of Jeong’s sentence on the 4th of last month for surgery and other treatment purposes. Subsequently, the prosecution accepted Jeong’s request to extend the suspension period by one month due to health reasons.

Jeong, who is incarcerated at Seoul Detention Center, applied for suspension of sentence execution on August 1st this year, stating, "Urgent surgery is needed for a herniated disc, stenosis, and paralysis of the lower limbs," but the prosecution did not approve, saying, "It is not possible at this stage."

In response, Jeong applied again for suspension of sentence execution in October and was granted a one-month suspension. Around June to July this year, she was advised by medical staff that urgent surgery was necessary after a fall inside the detention center caused a herniated disc.

Jeong applied for a second extension of the suspension of sentence execution, but on the 29th of last month, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office denied the request, judging that outpatient treatment was possible.

Jeong is currently serving a four-year prison sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court in January for allegations including falsifying her daughter Cho Min’s credentials.

She is also on trial at the Seoul Central District Court along with her husband, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, on charges including falsifying their son’s school records and fraudulently obtaining an internship certificate.