Jeong Gyeongshim Visits Cho Guk, Says "Face Frozen by Solitary Cell's Cold... Let's Overcome the Chilly Time"

"This place's time, the share you must bear"
"Until the day we meet again"

Former Dongyang University Professor Jeong Gyeong-shim. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Former leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, Jo Guk, was sentenced to two years in prison for his children's admission fraud and has been incarcerated. Meanwhile, his spouse, former Dongyang University professor Jeong Gyeong-sim, expressed her feelings.

On the 17th, Professor Jeong posted a lengthy message on her social media (SNS). She began, "As the closest person to him, I had no choice but to watch from afar on YouTube as he entered, avoiding the cameras. On that day, I waited until the afternoon for the family-only visitation and met him in his blue prison uniform, his face pale blue. Ah, even here, that bright blue color of innovation," she said.

She continued, "Last Saturday, I forcibly took him late at night to get duplicate flu and pneumonia vaccinations because he is unusually sensitive to cold. He said his body was shaking yesterday, and today his face is frozen from the cold in the solitary cell," adding, "Now, the time here is your burden to bear. I outside will calmly continue my daily life." She added, "Apples, tangerines, bread, and yogurt. Ordering through a kiosk like any other restaurant and transferring money for his prison account via mobile banking, I carefully recalled what you have done over the past thirty-eight months and buttoned up my collar," and "I walked like an ox on the snowy rocky path of Cheonggye Mountain. Drinking the cold coffee in my hand," she added.

Finally, Professor Jeong concluded, "Like the snow in the sky that soothes our parting, it will soon scatter wildly across heaven and earth. Until the day we meet again," and "Today did not leave us lonely, so let us remember those warm memories and hearts and hold warmer hope in our hearts to overcome this cold time. 2024. 12. 16. Leaving him behind," she ended her message.

Former Representative of the National Innovation Party, Cho Kuk. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Earlier, former leader Jo was confirmed by the Supreme Court on the 12th with a two-year prison sentence, and he was incarcerated in a detention center on the 16th. Regarding the confirmation of his prison sentence, he said, "I do not agree with the court's factual findings and legal application, but I humbly accept the Supreme Court's ruling. I have come here to fulfill my duties as a citizen who abides by the national law." He added, "During my time in prison, I will deeply reflect on my flaws and limitations. Through reading, exercise, and reflection, I will strengthen my body and mind." He also told supporters gathered in front of the detention center, "Please do not cry and send me off brightly. Although the weather is cold, spring will come."