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Seo Jung-jin, chairman of Celltrion (photo= Celltrion) |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] Jo, the mother of Seo Jung-jin's illegitimate child, who had received 14.3 billion won as child support, has been sent to prosecutors following a police investigation into extortion.
On the 12th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul referred Jo to the prosecutors on charges of violating the Specific Economic Crime Aggravated Punishment Act (extortion, property concealment) and defamation with false statements. This action was taken on the 8th.
Chairman Seo's side claims that Jo had threatened to visit the Celltrion headquarters in Incheon if payments were not made and alleges that she extorted a total of 28.8 billion won from Seo under the pretext of child support from 2012 to last year.
They specifically state that there is clear evidence of the 14.3 billion won extorted from 2018 onwards, which led to Jo's police complaint.
It was revealed in May of last year through a broadcast that Chairman Seo has two illegitimate children. The broadcast highlighted Jo’s conflicts with Seo and her claim that her two daughters had a right to inherit his assets.
However, Seo’s side reported receiving threats from Jo and claimed to have paid hundreds of billions of won in child support. They quickly filed a criminal complaint, and the police determined there was sufficient evidence of extortion, leading to the case being handed over to the prosecutors.
Jo is also accused of illegally transferring large sums of money abroad and posting banners criticizing Seo near Celltrion's buildings. Additionally, Jo requested a house in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, which was not granted, leading to the charge of attempted extortion.
Meanwhile, Seo's two illegitimate children filed a paternity recognition lawsuit against him at the Suwon Family Court in 2021, which resulted in a settlement and their legal recognition as Seo's daughters.
AlphaBIZ Kim SangJin(letyou@alphabiz.co.kr)
