Former Coach Cha Bum-geun Submits Petition for Former Minister Cho Kuk
Despite Claiming "No Connection," Past Photos Draw Attention
Former national soccer team coach Cha Bum-geun recently submitted a petition requesting leniency from the court regarding former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and his wife, and his wife Oh Eun-mi has drawn attention by posting a meaningful message on social media.
Former national soccer team coach Cha Bum-kun is attending the dinner meeting of the "3rd Inter-Korean Summit Special Delegation" held at a restaurant in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, in 2018. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
On the 31st, Oh wrote on her Facebook, "There are people who, when they know one thing, want to tell ten. There are also people who hesitate to say even one thing despite knowing ten." She added, "I want to be the latter. Although it's unlikely," and wrote, "As I get older, there are many times I feel ashamed. Some days, even a small shame follows me all day. I have to try." This appears to be an indirect expression of her feelings regarding the series of controversies involving former coach Cha.
On the 22nd of last month, former coach Cha joined a 'petition from various sectors' submitted to the court by the defense attorney of former Minister Cho, who is accused of admission fraud involving his children. In the petition, he wrote, "More than five years have already passed. I am confident that the pain endured by the Cho family and the punishment they have borne have served as a strong warning to countless parents in South Korea who have had similar experiences."
As this fact became known, former coach Cha became a target both inside and outside the political sphere. Online communities resurfaced photos of former coach Cha with broadcaster Kim Eo-jun and journalist Joo Jin-woo, claiming that his political leanings influenced his submission of the petition. Additionally, criticism arose over a framed photo of former President Moon Jae-in displayed in Cha’s home. Jung Yoo-ra, daughter of Choi Seo-won (formerly Choi Soon-sil), criticized, saying, "What is Cha Bum-geun, who claims to have nothing to do with Cho Kuk while hanging out like that?" and "Why does he keep a framed photo of Moon Jae-in?"
Past Promotion of Jung Kyung-shim’s Book... Both Sides Deny Any Connection
Also, Oh’s past Facebook post related to former professor Jung Kyung-shim was reexamined. Last year, she shared photos of three volumes of Jung’s prison memoir, I Will Mourn Alone, writing, "Teacher, let’s stay strong!" This post has since been deleted.
Former coach Cha’s side stated that although there is no connection with former Minister Cho, he submitted the petition due to the experience of being criticized along with his family after poor results in the 1998 France World Cup. Former Minister Cho also appeared on a YouTube channel on the 31st, saying, "I have never had a cup of tea or a meal with Coach Cha," but added, "Respected Coach Cha Bum-geun, I grew up watching your soccer games since I was young. Even though we have no personal connection, I deeply appreciate you writing a petition for me and my family. I will not forget your heart and intention."
The Seoul High Court Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judges Kim Woo-soo, Kim Jin-ha, and Lee In-soo) will conduct the appellate sentencing for former Minister Cho, who was indicted on charges of admission fraud involving his children and covering up the inspection of former Busan Deputy Mayor Yoo Jae-soo, on the 8th.
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