Cho Kuk, the Minister of Justice, to the confirmation of his prison sentence.

[Anchor]
Cho Kuk, former chairman of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, has been under investigation and trial for alleged irregularities in his children's entrance exams since he was nominated as a candidate for the Minister of Justice in 2019.

In the end, the Supreme Court sentenced him to prison five years after his indictment, and he begins his imprisonment.

Reporter Kim Tae-won organized Cho's case log.

[Reporter]
Cho Kuk, former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, who was named the second justice minister of the Moon Jae In government in 2019.

[Cho Kuk / Then-Minister of Justice candidate (August 2019): We will fulfill the calling of establishing a fair legal order, reforming the prosecution, and innovating the Ministry of Justice.]

However, the controversy surrounding the family, from suspicions of private equity investment to corruption in entrance exams, has led to a growing backlash from college districts and a prosecution investigation.

[Cho Kuk / Then justice minister candidate (August 2019): I'm a little embarrassed that the prosecution's investigation has been launched ahead of the confirmation hearing]

Starting with his wife, former professor Jeong Kyung-sim, his fifth cousin, his brother, and daughter Cho Min were indicted en masse,
Former representative Cho, who resigned as minister 35 days after taking office
, was also put on trial.

[Cho Kuk / Former Minister of Justice (May 2020): I will refute each and every allegation that the prosecution distorted and exaggerated according to facts and laws.]

In the first trial, most of the allegations were found guilty and sentenced to prison and appealed, but the conclusion is the same.

Former leader Cho, who was not arrested by court to guarantee his right to defend himself, became the leader of the three parties in the last general election, citing the theory of a regime trial.

[Cho Kuk / Former Minister of Justice (February): I am lacking a lot and have many flaws. However, I will not give up here and walk a new path.

However, as the Supreme Court confirmed the ruling of the appeals court, which sentenced him to two years in prison, he has now lost his parliamentary seat and started his imprisonment.

I'm Kim Taewon of YTN.

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video: Lee Ju-yeon