Prosecutors may summon ex-Justice Minister Cho this week

Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk will likely face prosecutors later this week for questioning over corruption allegations involving his family. 

Prosecutors suspect Cho’s influence over his wife’s purchase of shares in battery firm WFM at a lower price than their market value. Cho was a senior secretary to President Moon Jae-in at the time of the purchase. 

Prosecutors are also looking into dubious bank transfers between Cho and his wife. Cho is also accused of complicity in his wife’ alleged crimes, including fabricating a document to support her daughter’s university application and withholding evidence.

If Cho appears at the prosecutors’ for questioning, he is unlikely to address reporters before entering the building. It was until recently customary for high-profile figures to face the media before questioning. Prosecutors have put an end to the practice.

By Choi Si-young (siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com)