Prosecution Appeals Against First Trial Verdict of 2-Year Imprisonment for Cho Kuk

Cho Kuk Sentenced to 2 Years Imprisonment and Fined 6 Million Won

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The prosecution has appealed the first trial court's ruling that sentenced former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk to two years in prison.

According to the legal community, on the 9th, one day before the legal deadline, the prosecution appealed to the first trial court, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21-1 (Presiding Judges Ma Seong-yeong, Kim Jeong-gon, Jang Yong-beom), against all five defendants including former Minister Cho Kuk, former Dongyang University professor Jeong Gyeong-sim, and former Blue House civil affairs secretary Baek Won-woo. Earlier, on the 3rd, the court sentenced former Minister Cho to two years in prison and ordered a fine of 6 million won.

Except for former Blue House anti-corruption secretary Park Hyeong-cheol, who was acquitted in the first trial, all four defendants also filed appeals against the verdict.

The court recognized former Minister Cho's guilt for unlawfully assisting his son and daughter’s college admissions (obstruction of business and obstruction of official duties by deception) and for receiving 6 million won from former Yangsan Busan National University Hospital director Noh Hwan-jung under the pretext of a scholarship for his daughter (violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act).

It also partially found him guilty of abusing his authority and obstructing the exercise of rights by illegally covering up the misconduct of former Busan City Deputy Mayor Yoo Jae-soo while serving as the senior secretary for civil affairs. However, he was acquitted of charges related to violations of the Public Official Ethics Act concerning private equity funds and instructing others to forge or conceal evidence.