A new legal claim suggests that the person who reported actor Cho Jin-woong’s past juvenile criminal record to Dispatch may have been one of the co-perpetrators who received the same protective disposition alongside him.
Attorney Song Jung-bin of Law Firm Geonwoo stated on News1TV’s “Fact & View” on December 9 that those involved in the original case could identify it through the case number. He added that this raises the possibility that the informant secured 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 Korea’s Juvenile Act, juvenile records and rulings 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 1 million KRW.
Although some raised the possibility of a court official leaking the records, the attorney dismissed the likelihood, saying it would be difficult to assume that a court officer would simply comply with such a request. He further questioned whether a media outlet would risk legal consequences just to obtain such documents.
Song Jung-bin added that if a court official or journalist had indeed leaked or requested the ruling, both parties could face charges for violating the Juvenile Act.
He emphasized: “The right to know is meant to uphold public sovereignty and basic rights, but it’s difficult to argue that a person’s criminal history from 30 years ago is information that benefits the public.”
He also noted that even if the court determines the matter does not fall under the public’s right to know, pursuing civil or criminal action against the media would still be challenging.
Meanwhile, Cho Jin-woong has been embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced that he committed a serious offense in high school and received a juvenile protective disposition. As public criticism grew, he issued a statement on December 7, saying: “I deeply apologize for disappointing many with my past wrongdoings. As of today, I will suspend all activities and put an end to my life as an actor.”
Sources: Daum
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