"Joo Jinwoo Genuinely Concerned for the Well-being of Former President Yoon and His Wife"
Attorney Shin Pyung has come under criticism for allegedly making false statements after meeting with Kim Gunhee, wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol, without authorization at the request of a particular journalist. It has now been revealed that Joo Jinwoo, a former reporter for SisaIN, was the one who requested the meeting.
Kim Gunhee, wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol, who is accused of violating the Capital Market and Financial Investment Services Act, the Political Funds Act, and the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (receiving bribes), is leaving the courtroom after completing the pre-arrest detention hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 12th.
On the 22nd, Attorney Shin stated on Facebook, "This morning, Reporter Joo called me and revealed himself as the progressive journalist in question. I had previously concealed his name and even said that the journalist was not Joo Jinwoo, so I now feel embarrassed."
The previous day, Reporter Joo had admitted on the YouTube program 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility Is Hard - News Factory' that he had asked Attorney Shin to "look into how Kim Gunhee's health is doing."
Recently, Attorney Shin reported via Facebook that he had met with Kim Gunhee, who is currently detained at the Seoul Southern Detention Center. He stated that Kim had said, "Maybe only if I die will my husband have a chance to survive," and also made remarks expressing resentment toward former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, such as, "How could Han Donghoon possibly do that?"
Afterward, Kim Gunhee's statements became a source of controversy in political circles. On the 20th, Yoo Junghwa, the attorney representing Kim, issued a statement saying, "It has been clearly confirmed that these remarks did not come from Kim Gunhee," and added, "Attorney Shin, who is not an appointed lawyer, met with Kim Gunhee without authorization."
In response, Attorney Shin explained that he had received a request to meet with Kim Gunhee from a journalist affiliated with the progressive camp. He said the journalist, feeling sympathy for Kim's situation, asked him to help, which led to the meeting.
Attorney Shin stated, "Both Reporter Joo and I have had a connection with former President Yoon and his wife for a long time. Although Reporter Joo has criticized them due to political differences, at this moment, he genuinely shares my concern for their well-being."
He continued, "In fact, when I met with Kim Gunhee, we also discussed issues regarding her legal representation. I explained that I have already retired from active legal practice and am out of touch, and that the current lawyers are working diligently. I also mentioned that it would be difficult for me to suddenly form a team with young lawyers who are about the age of my own children."
He added, "There is very little I can do for former President Yoon and his wife. I do not run a YouTube channel, nor am I in charge of any organization. The only way I can help is by posting on Facebook and responding to media inquiries to convey their position."
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