"Too Poor" Kim Eo-jun Defends Shin Jang-sik Who Drank and Drove 17 Years Ago

First Recruit of Jojuk New Party Joined
Lawyer Shin: "No Excuse... Truly Sorry"

Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun personally defended Shin Jang-sik, a lawyer recruited as the first talent for the 'Jo Guk New Party' (tentative name) led by former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, regarding Shin's history of drunk driving and driving without a license.

On the 26th, Lawyer Shin appeared on Kim's YouTube show, 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility is Difficult News Factory.' The main topic of the broadcast was his four instances of drunk driving and unlicensed driving offenses.

Shin had previously been fined once for drunk driving and three times for driving without a license between 2006 and 2007. During the 21st general election, this fact was revealed, leading to his withdrawal from the 6th spot on the Justice Party's proportional representation list.

Lawyer Shin Jang-sik and broadcaster Kim Eo-jun appeared on the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility is Difficult News Factory' [Image source=YouTube broadcast]

Regarding this, Kim Eo-jun said, "There will be more articles about this in the future," adding, "This was drunk driving 17 to 18 years ago, and there were no personal or property damage accidents. He took full responsibility, and four years ago, he was punished by withdrawing his candidacy."

He continued, "Why would a lawyer do this 17 to 18 years ago? He was very poor at the time. Lawyer Shin was so poor that he worked as a substitute driver."

In response to Kim's remarks, Lawyer Shin corrected him, saying, "It was not substitute driving," and admitted, "I drove under the influence once, and then there was unlicensed driving. There is really no excuse for this."

He added, "I think I must fully bear the responsibility for being attacked as a political issue. However, I hope the headlines do not say it was drunk driving four years ago." Kim Eo-jun replied, "If that's the case, file a lawsuit or complaint. Immediately."

Lawyer Shin bowed his head again, saying, "The people I should apologize to the most are those who lost loved ones or are bedridden due to disabilities caused by drunk driving traffic accidents. Although I was not the direct perpetrator, I am truly sorry to those who think, 'Why do I have to be in this hospital bed when someone who drove drunk is broadcasting like that?'"

He continued, "I will not end with just an apology but will work to change laws such as the Automobile Accident Compensation Guarantee Act," adding, "I think other excuses are inappropriate."

Meanwhile, former Minister Cho Kuk stated that when controversy arose over Lawyer Shin's criminal record, "I knew the facts and background but judged that Lawyer Shin had a role to play, so I proposed recruitment and received acceptance."