Prosecution Reform Task Force Chair: "Cho Jin-woong’s Retirement Is Not Justice, But Collective Lynching... Successful Rehabilitation Stories Must Be Protected"

[Financial News] Park Chan-un, Chair of the Prosecution Reform Task Force under the Prime Minister’s Office, expressed deep anger at the harshness of society after actor Cho Jin-woong (49, real name Jo Won-jun) announced his retirement from the entertainment industry due to controversy over his past as a juvenile offender. Park stated, "I feel profound anger at the coldness of a society that ultimately drove him off the stage."
On the 8th, Park posted on his Facebook page an article titled, "A Republic of Korea (ROK) That Crushes the Hopes of Delinquent Youths: Reflections on Cho Jin-woong’s Retirement."
He wrote, "Last weekend, actor Cho Jin-woong declared his retirement after controversy over his juvenile criminal record. The so-called 'criminal record' in question refers to a protective disposition for juveniles, not a conviction as an adult."
He continued, "The protective disposition for juveniles is not a system designed to punish young people, but rather to help them return to society through correction and protection. In other words, its sole purpose is to support juveniles in becoming healthy members of society."
Park emphasized, "The life of Cho Jin-woong is the most successful example of what this system aims to achieve. A troubled youth grew into a great actor after decades of effort, earning both popular and critical acclaim and the love of the public. Moreover, he proved that rehabilitation is possible, becoming a symbol of hope for delinquent youths."
He added, "Yet, we have reopened old wounds from his youth and put him on trial in the name of morality, instantly invalidating all his achievements. In the end, we forced him to leave the stage. Is this justice? No, this is nothing but collective lynching."
He argued, "If a single mistake becomes a lifelong stigma, the concept of rehabilitation loses its meaning. The protective disposition for juveniles becomes an empty shell, and society effectively operates a system of lifelong labeling."
He further pointed out, "What is even more serious is the message this atmosphere sends to young people. Despair leads to further wandering, and exclusion breeds more delinquency. If we truly care about social safety, we must protect successful cases of rehabilitation."
Park stated, "Cho Jin-woong’s life story is one of hope that we should celebrate. Reducing a person’s entire life to a single line from their youth is not justice, but violence."
He concluded, "A society that crushes the hopes of those who had troubled youths—Republic of Korea (ROK) must not become such a nation. I hope for Cho Jin-woong’s return."
newssu@fnnews.com Kim Su-yeon Reporter