Updates Shared on Instagram on the 12th
Photos from Busan Vacation Draw Public Interest
With former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, Cho Kuk, and former Dongyang University professor Jung Kyungshim-both currently serving prison sentences for charges including their child's college admissions corruption-being included in the first round of special pardons and reinstatements under the Lee Jaemyung administration on August 11, the recent update shared by their daughter, Cho Min, on her social networking service (SNS) has drawn public attention.
On the 12th, Cho Min posted an update on her Instagram account. She shared several photos enjoying a vacation at a resort in Busan and wrote, "Even if it rains, my heart is clear." Although she did not directly mention her parents' pardon, some observers have speculated that her post may indirectly reflect her positive feelings about the news.
Former leader of the Justice Party, Cho Kuk, and former Dongyang University professor Jeong Gyeongshim's daughter, Cho Min, shared an update on their recent status through social media on the 12th. Cho Min Instagram
The previous day, Cho Min had also uploaded a series of posts. At around 7 p.m.-about three hours after the announcement of her parents' pardon-she posted a photo taken after dining with her grandmother in Busan. She shared several photos taken at places like Gwangalli Beach, writing, "August 11 is our first wedding anniversary," and added, "Since we both work, we visited Busan in advance for an overnight stay on the weekend."
Cho Min was indicted for her involvement in the so-called "admissions corruption" case, in which she, in collusion with her parents, submitted falsified documents-including a Dongyang University presidential commendation-to Seoul National University's Graduate School of Medicine. In April, her conviction was upheld on appeal, and she was sentenced to a fine of 10 million won. At that time, Cho Min bowed her head and said, "I apologize to those who were unintentionally hurt, and as a member of society rather than a student, I will make sure not to repeat the same mistakes."
Former leader Cho Kuk has been serving a two-year prison sentence since December last year, after being found guilty of charges including his child's college admissions corruption and interfering with presidential office inspections. He is scheduled for release in December next year, with more than a year remaining in his sentence. Former professor Jung Kyungshim was sentenced to four years in prison for her daughter's admissions corruption and was paroled in September 2023 after serving three years and three months. She was later given a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for forging documents related to her son's college admissions and submitting them to his high school homeroom teacher.
Cho Kuk is set to be released through the first special pardon granted by the Lee Jaemyung administration. On August 11, ahead of Liberation Day, the government announced that a total of 836,687 people-including Cho Kuk and his wife-would be granted special pardons effective on the 15th. Along with the pardon, Cho Kuk will also have his civil rights reinstated, lifting restrictions on his political activities. Regarding Cho Kuk's inclusion in the Liberation Day special pardon and reinstatement, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party stated, "We are grateful to the people. It is thanks to the public that former leader Cho Kuk is now able to breathe the air of freedom," and added, "We thank President Lee Jaemyung for his thoughtful decision."
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