Joo Jinwoo: "Cho Jinwoong Would Get Over 5 Years in Prison Today... Even Juvenile Offenders Received Privileges"

"Punishments Were Not Strict at the Time"
To Ruling Party Lawmakers: "Are They Defending Him Just Because He's on Their Side?"

Joo Jinwoo, Member of the People Power Party

As actor Cho Jinwoong admitted to allegations of juvenile delinquency and announced his retirement, the controversy continues to reverberate in society, with lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties weighing in. Joo Jinwoo, a member of the People Power Party, criticized, "If a juvenile committed this level of crime today, the sentence would be at least five years in prison."

On the 9th, Joo Jinwoo appeared on Channel A Radio's "Political Signal" and shared his thoughts on Cho Jinwoong's juvenile criminal record. Joo stated, "It doesn't seem like a simple case of juvenile delinquency. Wasn't it reported in the media at the time?" He continued, "It is clear that Mr. Cho Jinwoong is a public figure, and the nature of the crime was brutal."

When the host asked, "No matter how much of a public figure he is, by disclosing a crime committed as a youth in this way, isn't there a concern that it could discourage many troubled youths today?" Joo responded, "This case is completely different from ordinary juvenile delinquency. Back then, in the 1990s, punishments for sexual offenses or robbery were not strict, and cases were handled too leniently."

He added, "There is a question of whether he truly paid for his crimes. Also, the fact that he was treated as a juvenile offender at the time was an extraordinary privilege," and emphasized, "If a juvenile committed this level of crime today, it is certain that the sentence would be at least five years in prison."

Joo also pointed out that allegations of assault related to Cho Jinwoong have continued even after he became an adult, saying, "The law should apply equally to everyone." He continued, "As juvenile crimes are becoming increasingly violent, there is ongoing public debate about lowering the age of criminal responsibility. It is inconsistent for many who supported that discussion to now defend this case."

He further criticized some progressive figures who are defending Cho Jinwoong, saying, "In the case of Mr. Cho Jinwoong, he appeared on Kim Eo-jun's YouTube channel and expressed strong left-wing political bias on issues such as the impeachment crisis. It seems they are defending him simply because he is on their side."