A new legal claim suggests that the person who reported actor Cho Jin-woong’s juvenile criminal record to Dispatch may have been one of the co-perpetrators who received the same protective order as him.
Lawyer Song Jung-bin of Geonwoo Law Firm said on News1TV “Facts and opinions” on Dec. 9 that people involved in the original case could identify him by his case number. He added that this raises the possibility that the informant obtained the documents as someone who was part of the same “iljin group” during Cho Jin-woong’s youth.
Song Jung-bin explained that under Article 70 of the Korean Juvenile Law, juvenile documents and sentences are treated as official secrets and cannot be disclosed except for specific legal reasons. Violations of this rule can result in up to one year in prison or a fine of up to KRW 1 million.
While some have raised the possibility that a court official disclosed the documents, the lawyer dismissed that likelihood, saying it would be difficult to assume that a court official would simply comply with such a request. He also questioned whether a media outlet would risk legal consequences just to obtain such documents.
Song Jung-bin added that if a court official or reporter actually leaked or requested the ruling, both parties could be charged with violating the juvenile law.
He underlined: “The right to know is intended to defend public sovereignty and fundamental rights, but it is difficult to argue that a person’s criminal history dating back 30 years is information for the benefit of the public.”
He further noted that even if the court determines that the matter does not fall within the public’s right to be informed, pursuing civil or criminal action against the media would still be difficult.
Meanwhile, Cho Jin-woong has been embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced that he committed a serious crime in high school and received a child protection order. As public criticism mounted, he released a statement on December 7, saying: “I deeply apologize for disappointing many with my past misdeeds. From today I will suspend all activities and end my life as an actor.”
Sources: Daum
