"Who Commits Robbery or Rape by Mistake?... Not Even Like Jean Valjean" Lawyer Criticizes Defense of Jo Jinwoong

Attorney Ha Seojeong: "Difficult to Consider Serious Crimes as Mere Mistakes"
"Subsequent Assault and Drunk Driving... A Failure of Rehabilitation"

Actor Jo Jinwoong. Content Wave

Ha Seo-jeong, the chief spokesperson of the Korean Bar Association, commented on the ongoing support for actor Jo Jinwoong (49, real name Jo Wonjun), who announced his retirement after his juvenile criminal record was revealed. She stated, "It is difficult to overlook this as a mere mistake made out of immaturity during childhood."

On December 10, Ha appeared on the YouTube channel of Newsis and addressed ruling party figures who defended Jo's actions as "mistakes made in youth." She said, "Who commits robbery or rape by mistake? No matter how immature one may be, is it really possible to commit such acts? The thought that someone could commit such serious crimes as a mere mistake is troubling."

"Jo Jinwoong Is Completely Different from a Rehabilitated Jean Valjean"

She continued, "In some respects, robbery and rape are considered worse than murder." While she acknowledged that in cases of wrongful murder, society might accept a sentence that allows for forgiveness, she emphasized, "Robbery and rape are not such cases. These are crimes that destroy a person's dignity for nothing more than money or lust." She added, "Although I do not know the exact details of Jo Jinwoong's actions, simply looking at the charges, they are extremely serious crimes. Therefore, I believe the public would be outraged if these were dismissed as mere mistakes of youth."

Ha also criticized broadcaster Kim Eo-jun, who compared Jo Jinwoong to Jean Valjean. Ha said, "I do not think he can be called Jean Valjean. Jean Valjean may have committed such acts in his youth, but he later lived a completely different life as a diligent mayor of Madeleine." She continued, "Actor Jo Jinwoong assaulted a theater troupe member and was caught drunk driving. Furthermore, he deceived the public with lies." She concluded, "This is a failure of rehabilitation, and it raises suspicions that he has not truly reflected on his actions. If one does not admit their wrongdoing, it is hard to believe they have truly repented."

Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun is speaking about actor Jo Jin-woong's retirement. Screenshot from the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility Is Hard News Factory'

Previously, on December 6, Jo Jinwoong issued an apology, saying, "I deeply apologize for disappointing everyone who trusted and supported me due to my disgraceful past. I humbly accept all criticism, and as of today, I will cease all activities and put an end to my acting career." This statement came just one day after Dispatch reported allegations that Jo had committed car theft and sexual assault as a high school student and had spent time in a juvenile detention center.

Some within the Ruling Bloc Ask, "How Long Should One Be Held Accountable for Mistakes Made in Youth?" Regarding Jo Jinwoong's Retirement

Afterward, some within the ruling bloc, including the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed regret. On December 7, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Won-i wrote on Facebook, "To what extent, how, and until when should someone be held accountable for mistakes made during adolescence?" Fellow party member Park Beom-gye also questioned, "Is the current image of him, as perceived by the public, truly incompatible with his forgotten past?"

Han In-seop, an honorary professor at Seoul National University School of Law and former director of the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice under the Moon Jae-in administration, stated, "If someone tries to bury a person's present achievements by dredging up decades-old history, it is not the celebrity but the media that deserves stern social criticism." Park Chan-woon, an advisor to the Prosecutorial Reform Promotion Team under the Prime Minister's Office, said, "I feel deep anger at the coldness of a society that ultimately drove him off the stage."

On December 9, broadcaster Kim Eo-jun defended Jo, saying, "Is a story of a juvenile offender growing into an outstanding actor and mature member of society truly unacceptable in our society?" Kim also suggested, "I suspect that these attacks are due to Jo Jinwoong's various activities during the Moon Jae-in administration." Attorney Kim Kyungho (Hoin Law Firm), who represented former Marine Corps Investigation Division Chief Park Jungwoon and reported the loss of the investigation belt in the case involving Jeonseongbae, a shaman investigated by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, filed a complaint against the journalist who first reported Jo Jinwoong's juvenile record.

Some observers suggest that the support from certain ruling bloc figures may be related to Jo Jinwoong's perceived pro-government stance. In August, Jo watched the documentary film "Independence Army: The Unfinished War," for which he provided narration, together with President Lee Jaemyung. He also appeared on the pro-government broadcast "Kim Eo-jun's Humility Is Hard News Factory."