Jomin Receives Suspended Prison Sentence, Says "I Hope Our Country Becomes More Fair"

Prosecution Seeks 1-Year Prison Sentence and 3-Year Probation

On the 26th, the prosecution requested a sentence of "1 year imprisonment, suspended for 3 years" for Cho Min, the daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who is accused of admission fraud. In her final statement, Cho Min said, "I hope our country becomes more fair."

Jo Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who was indicted without detention on charges of admission fraud, is attending the second session of the first trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 26th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

At the sentencing hearing held that day under Judge Lee Kyung-sun of the 16th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, the prosecution requested a sentence of 1 year imprisonment with a 3-year suspension for charges including forgery of official documents, obstruction of business, and obstruction of public officials by deception.

The prosecution defined the case as "a crime that causes frustration and disappointment to many people who sincerely work hard, betrays expectations and trust in the admission system, promotes selfishness, and undermines social discipline." However, they also stated, "Considering that both parents were sentenced to prison, medical licenses were revoked, and the recent admission of the crime."

In her final statement, Cho Min said, "I would like to begin by apologizing to many people who suffered because of this case and to those who were disappointed and frustrated seeing the opportunities I had." She confessed, "At first, I felt wronged because I thought it was lawful." She added, "I graduated from Korea University with good grades, graduated from medical school with determination, and obtained a medical license, achieving my dream of becoming a doctor solely through my own efforts."

However, she said, "As time passed, I realized that I studied more easily than other students," and "I humbly accept the court's judgment and have decided to give up my diploma and medical license regardless of my efforts." She added, "I do not know what the verdict will be, but I will humbly accept it and think about how to contribute to society."

Finally, she said, "I hope there will be no more division in our society because of me and my family," and "I hope this incident will be an opportunity for our country to become more fair."

Cho Min was prosecuted for submitting a forged certificate of commendation from the president of Dongyang University along with her application and self-introduction letter to the admissions office of the Busan National University Medical School on June 10, 2014, thereby obstructing the admissions evaluation process.

She is also accused of submitting forged supporting documents, including a falsely written self-introduction letter, an internship confirmation letter in the name of the director of the Public Interest and Human Rights Law Center at Seoul National University Law School, and a certificate of commendation from the president of Dongyang University, to the Seoul National University Medical School on June 17, 2013.

Cho Min’s side admits to the charges. However, they argue that the prosecution abused its authority by delaying the indictment with improper intent and that the indictment should be dismissed.

The first trial verdict for Cho Min is scheduled to be announced on the morning of March 22.