Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Prosecutors grill justice minister's wife for corruption allegations
A photo line is seen at the main entrance of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul, Thursday. Journalists had been waiting for days for Justice Minister Cho Kuk's wife Chung Kyung-sim to be summoned for questioning over corruption allegations. Prosecutors initially wanted to make Chung's summons public upon her arrival at the prosecution office, but reversed the decision. Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Prosecutors grilled Chung Kyung-sim, the wife of Justice Minister Cho Kuk, over numerous corruption allegations involving her and her family members, Thursday.
This was the first time in the country's history that an incumbent justice minister's wife has been summoned for questioning by the prosecution.
The summons came 27 days after prosecutors indicted her Sept. 6.
Officials at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office said they started questioning Chung, an English Language and Literature professor at Dongyang University, at around 9 a.m. They initially wanted to make Chung's summons public upon her arrival at their office, but decided not to do so amid criticism that this would violate her human rights.
Justice Minister Cho Kuk
Chung was indicted for allegedly forging her school's presidential citation so her daughter could use it to be admitted to Pusan National University Medical School.
The daughter also received an internship certificate despite not completing the time required, and was named lead author of a complex academic paper on pathology despite being just a high school student. These “accomplishments” were allegedly given to her because of her parents' influence.
If the indictment allegation is confirmed, Chung could face a trial on charges of forgery and interference in school affairs.
Prosecutors also questioned her over her family's dubious investments in a private equity fund (PEF).
She is accused of owning shares of Co-Link Private Equity, which managed the fund, under a false name, and being involved in the company's investment decisions. Cho's cousin is reportedly the de facto owner of the company.
The cousin, who was arrested last month, allegedly embezzled 1.3 billion won from a company in which the PEF invested, and the prosecution is looking into whether Chung was involved in this.
Chung faces other allegations that she attempted to destroy relevant evidence. She allegedly asked a securities company worker, who helped in the family's wealth management, to swap out the hard drives of the family's home computers, and to remove her computer from her office at Dongyang University.
Prosecutors said they will decide whether to seek an arrest warrant for her, considering that Chung is a key suspect in the multiple allegations and attempted to destroy evidence.
It is yet to be seen whether the prosecution will summon the incumbent justice minister to question him on his alleged involvement in his wife's actions.