The fact that popular instructor Cho Jeong-sik has been referred to the prosecution on suspicion of buying questions from a current teacher for money was belatedly reported, while Cho Jeong-sik's side denied the allegations.
On the 11th, the law firm Pyeongan, representing instructor Cho Jeong-sik, stated, "We would like to officially express our stance on the matter recently reported. The information regarding instructor Cho Jeong-sik reported by a media outlet contains inaccuracies and has led to serious harm to the instructor's reputation and social trust."
Furthermore, "Instructor Cho Jeong-sik and our legal team are convinced that all charges referred to the prosecution are clearly 'not guilty' and that instructor Cho has never directly paid the teacher involved in the incident 58 million won," they fully rebutted the allegations.
Cho Jeong-sik's side emphasized, "The case is currently undergoing a strict investigation by the investigative agency, and the judgment regarding the facts will be clearly revealed through the investigation results in the future," adding, "We deeply regret that information contrary to the facts is being indiscriminately circulated without confirmation and will take all legal measures available in civil and criminal matters against those who spread false information or defame."
Previously, on the 10th, the Truth Investigation Group Sherlock reported that Cho Jeong-sik bought exam questions for a private academy from current high school teacher A for 58 million won. According to the report, A had sold questions to 11 academies, including Cho Jeong-sik, for about five years from 2018 to 2023, earning approximately 238 million won.
Such transactions of teaching materials by current teachers have been strictly prohibited since 2016. If discovered, they can face dismissal or termination, and for teachers, even obtaining permission to hold dual positions is illegal. In this context, the Korean National Police Agency referred 72 current teachers involved in transaction activities to the prosecution on the 17th of last month. Additionally, it is reported that 126 have been booked, and 100 have been referred to the prosecution.
The issue has intensified because Cho Jeong-sik is currently active as an instructor and is also appearing in the grade solution program "Teachers2." Particularly, there was anticipation for a round interview with the production crew and cast of "Teachers2" on the 13th, but Cho Jeong-sik's side has directly expressed their position and denied the allegations. Subsequently, attention is focused on whether Cho Jeong-sik will further clarify in the round interview.
Full statement from Cho Jeong-sik's legal representative, law firm Pyeongan
Hello. We are lawyers Choi Bong-kyun and Jeong Seong-yeop from law firm Pyeongan.
As representative lawyers for instructor Cho Jeong-sik, we are presenting our official stance on the recently reported matter.
The information regarding instructor Cho Jeong-sik reported by a media outlet contains inaccuracies and has led to serious harm to the instructor's reputation and social trust. Instructor Cho Jeong-sik and our legal team are convinced that all charges referred to the prosecution are clearly 'not guilty' and that instructor Cho has never directly paid the teacher involved in the incident 58 million won.
The case is currently undergoing a strict investigation by the investigative agency, and the judgment regarding the facts will be clearly revealed through the investigation results in the future.
Additionally, we deeply regret that information contrary to the facts is being indiscriminately circulated without confirmation and will take all legal measures available in civil and criminal matters against those who spread false information or defame.
Thank you.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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