Jeoncheongjo "We will be punished and become honorable"... Court warns "Double wound"

Jeon says, "The Chief of Security also lies"
Court: "'Being confident' hurts the victim twice"

Jeon Cheong-jo (27), who was indicted for a fraud scheme worth around 3 billion KRW by impersonating the illegitimate child of a chaebol third generation, stated, "Since I have committed the crime, I want to receive the maximum punishment and become honorable." In response to Jeon's remarks, the court pointed out, "This causes the victims to be hurt twice."

On the 22nd, Jeon appeared as a witness at the third trial held at the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Kim Byung-chul) and testified about the crimes of Lee (26), his bodyguard who was indicted as an accomplice. Jeon said, "It was done under my orders; Lee did not suggest committing fraud like this," adding, "I am also having a very hard time. I have never denied any of the charges while listening to many media reports. I admitted everything."

On November 10th last year, Jeon Cheong-jo, who was decided to be sent to the prosecution on charges including fraud, appeared at the Seoul Songpa Police Station and was being transferred to the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He continued, "I am sorry for not directing Lee to do the right thing and for involving him in this," but also said, "However, Lee also lied and, knowing that the Paradise (illegitimate child) was not real, engaged in actions that should not have been done," and "I hope Lee can be honorable as well." He further stated that he wants to "receive the maximum punishment for the crimes I committed and later become honorable and upright."

In response to Jeon's remarks, Presiding Judge Kim said, "Victims can come to this courtroom and listen," and pointed out, "The victims' damages have not been restored, and the wounds in their hearts have not healed. Saying such things does not compensate for the damage or heal the emotional wounds." He also advised, "Think carefully about the use of words like 'honorable' and 'upright,'" emphasizing that victims should not be hurt twice. Hearing this, Jeon acknowledged and replied, "Thank you."

Jeon was arrested and indicted on November 29 last year on charges of fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, forgery of official documents and use of forged official documents, and forgery of private documents and use of forged private documents. Jeon is accused of introducing himself as a chaebol third generation and approaching 27 students and acquaintances he met through seminars and lectures, receiving over 3 billion KRW under the pretext of investment funds.

Lee, the bodyguard, is accused of assisting Jeon's crimes by recommending investments to victims despite knowing Jeon's true identity and obtaining about 200 million KRW from the fraud proceeds. Lee denies his charges, claiming, "I only followed the orders of my employer Jeon," and asserts that he is also a victim who was defrauded of 45 million KRW by Jeon.