Lee Su-jeong "'I am Trust', Conman Speech... Academically Appealing to the Other Party"

"Jeoncheongjo Crime Proceeds Possibly Known by Nam Hyun-hee"
"Attention Needed on Sexual Assault Case Involving Nam Hyun-hee's Junior"

Jeon Cheongjo, who was known as the fianc? of former national fencing representative Nam Hyunhee but became embroiled in controversy after allegations of a prior fraud conviction surfaced, has attracted attention for his speech pattern mixing English and Korean. An analysis revealed that this speech style is typical among con artists.

On the 31st, Professor Lee Soo-jung of the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University stated on SBS's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," "From a third party's perspective, it may seem like a foolish, stupid act, but when you actually meet con artists in prison, many of them try to appeal to others with such pedantic appearances," she said.

Professor Lee Su-jeong, Department of Criminal Psychology, Kyonggi University. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

In messenger conversations with acquaintances, Jeon used a speech style mixing English and Korean without regard to grammar, such as saying 'I am 신뢰' (I am trust), which spread as a meme (internet slang).

When asked by the host whether the psychology behind mixing English and Korean was to exaggerate one's intellectual level to others, Professor Lee replied, "Yes. It's a way of showing 'I am actually a very decent person, I have studied a lot.' There is nothing more effective than mixing English vocabulary to demonstrate that." She added, "Looking at Jeon's speech and behavior, it is certain that he is a habitual con artist, but on the other hand, it seems he genuinely had some sincere romantic feelings toward Nam."

Jeon and Nam appeared on TV and radio programs the previous day, presenting conflicting claims. Nam asserted that she only recently learned that Jeon was not a second-generation chaebol and that his gender was female, while Jeon claimed he had known since February. Professor Lee said, "It currently appears that Nam is 100% the victim, but Jeon's interview the day before actually claims that Nam was aware of all these developments." She continued, "There is even suspicion that after February, Nam was aware of the proceeds from Jeon's fraud-related crimes and that these were used for living expenses and luxury purchases."

She emphasized the need to examine the sexual violence case that has been overshadowed by the couple's relationship. Professor Lee said, "This case requires more attention to the sexual violence incident that occurred within their relationship, which has not yet been properly revealed," adding, "Students at the academy run by Nam were sexually assaulted by a junior closely connected to her, and it is understood that there are at least three victims in this case."