Reporter and PD Visiting Jomin Officetel Also Acquitted in Second Trial

Court: "Visited for reporting purposes... Lacks illegality"

Journalists and a PD from a comprehensive programming channel (Jongpyeon) who visited the home of Cho Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, to investigate allegations of admission fraud were acquitted again in the appellate trial.

Cho Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, is heading to the courtroom to attend a trial on charges including obstruction of official duties by deception and obstruction of business (admission fraud) held at the Seoul Central District Court on the 8th. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

The Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Maeng Hyun-moo) on the 14th acquitted Jongpyeon journalist Jeong Mo and PD Lee Mo, who were charged with violating the Act on the Punishment of Violent Acts, etc. (joint trespassing), just as in the first trial.

The court stated, "Although the defendants' actions are not encouraged and have inappropriate aspects, they do not possess illegality to the extent of being punishable," and judged, "They visited the officetel for reporting purposes, and since they contacted Cho and the building manager, it appears they did not intend to enter secretly from the beginning."

It added, "Defendant Lee testified that he entered following a resident because the victim did not respond to calls; according to this, it seems the defendants did not intend to secretly enter the common entrance from the start."

The court also considered that they only entered up to the common entrance and, judging by the time of entry, it is difficult to conclude that they had intent to disturb the residents' peace of residence.

Jeong and others were prosecuted for visiting Cho's officetel in Yangsan, Gyeongnam twice?on September 5, 2019, a day before the confirmation hearing for former Minister Cho, and on the hearing day, the 6th?entering through the common entrance and ringing the doorbell multiple times asking to open the door.

Cho filed a complaint against the two to the police, and the prosecution, having received the case, filed a summary indictment against them last year. However, Cho requested a formal trial.