Chung Bong-ju

1.1. Early life and family

Chung Bong-ju was born on July 2, 1960, in Gongdeok-ri, Nohae-myeon, Yangju County, Gyeonggi Province, which is now part of Gongneung-dong, Nowon District, Seoul. He is the son of Chung Jang-duck, who served as a policeman and passed away in 1991. His ancestral seat (본관_bongwan^Korean) is Bonghwa, and he is a 21st-generation descendant of Jeong Dojeon, a prominent scholar-official during the early Joseon Dynasty. Chung is married to Song Ji-young, and they have a son and a daughter. He also has a cousin residing in North Korea, whom he met during a visit to Mount Kumgang in 2009.

1.2. Education

Chung began his education at Seoul Yeonchon Elementary School, followed by Hwigyeong Middle School and Kyunghee High School. In 1980, he matriculated at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, where he pursued a degree in English language. During his university years, Chung became deeply involved in student activism, serving as the chairman of the Democratization Promotion Committee (민추위_Minchuwi^Korean). His activism led to his arrest in 1983 for spearheading a demonstration, resulting in a sentence of one year and six months imprisonment. He served approximately one and a half years of this sentence and was later granted a special pardon on August 14, 1984. Notably, he was also a 22nd-term candidate in the ROTC, a path advised by his father, but was expelled from the corps due to his involvement in the 1983 protest. He finally completed his university studies in 1985.

Following his undergraduate studies, Chung continued his academic pursuits, earning a master's degree in education from Yonsei University. His master's thesis focused on the education policy-making process, specifically analyzing the first and second amendments to the Private School Act during the 17th National Assembly. In 1989, he moved to the United States, where he obtained a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification from the University of California, Riverside.

1.3. Early career

After graduating from university, Chung Bong-ju served as the Student Council President of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He also worked briefly as a journalist for Monthly Mal (월간 말^Korean), a magazine published by the Citizens' Coalition for Democratic Media. During this period, he used the pseudonym Chung Shi-jin (정시진^Korean). He also served as the Editorial Planning Office Manager for Mintongryeon and Jeonminryeon, and as an assistant to the esteemed human rights activist and pastor Moon Ik-hwan for approximately four years.

In 1991, upon his return to South Korea, Chung entered local politics, running as a candidate for the Seoul Metropolitan Council in the Guro 2nd constituency under the banner of the New Democratic Unionist Party (신민주연합당^Korean). Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in this election. Following this defeat, he spent over a decade managing an English language institute, the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Language Institute, until his successful election to the National Assembly in 2004.

2.1. Entry into the National Assembly

In the 2004 South Korean legislative election, Chung Bong-ju was successfully elected as a Member of the 17th National Assembly, representing the Nowon 1st constituency. He served his term from 2004 to 2008 as a member of the then-ruling Uri Party. During his tenure, he held significant roles, including chief secretary (간사_gansa^Korean) of the Education Committee and a member of the Political Affairs Committee. In February 2007, he was appointed Chairman of the Uri Party's 6th Policy Coordination Committee.

Later in 2007, Chung withdrew from the Uri Party to publicly endorse Sohn Hak-kyu as a presidential candidate for the 2007 South Korean presidential election. When the Uri Party was re-founded as the United New Democratic Party (대통합민주신당^Korean), Chung joined the new party. However, Sohn Hak-kyu ultimately lost the party's presidential preselection to Chung Dong-young. Following this, Chung continued to hold key party positions, serving as the Strategic Planning Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party in January 2008 and the 18th General Election Planning Vice-Director in February 2008. He also became the Vice-Director of the Democratic Policy Research Institute in August 2008 and later the Director of the Democratic Party's Education and Training Institute in October 2010 and September 2022. In the 2008 South Korean legislative election, he sought re-election in the Nowon 1st constituency but was defeated by Hyun Kyung-byeong of the Grand National Party.

2.2. "Sniper" against Lee Myung-bak and BBK allegations

During the intense 2007 South Korean presidential election campaign, Chung Bong-ju gained widespread notoriety for his relentless criticism of Lee Myung-bak, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Grand National Party (now the United Future Party). His primary focus was on the highly controversial BBK stock price manipulation incident, which he alleged involved Lee Myung-bak. As the leader of the United New Democratic Party's BBK Truth Investigation Team, Chung spearheaded efforts to expose what he claimed were Lee's connections to Kim Kyung-jun's investment fraud, stock price manipulation, and embezzlement.

Chung's aggressive and persistent pursuit of these allegations earned him the nickname "Sniper against Lee Myung-bak" (이명박 저격수_{Lee Myung-bak Jeogyeoksu}^Korean) or simply "Sniper against BBK" (BBK 저격수_{BBK Jeogyeoksu}^Korean). His activities were met with strong condemnation from the Grand National Party, which threatened legal action against him. Despite the threats, Chung continued to publicize his accusations, presenting what he claimed were "nine pieces of evidence and five major suspicions" linking Lee Myung-bak to BBK.

2.3. Legal proceedings and imprisonment

Following the 2007 presidential election, the Grand National Party initiated a lawsuit against Chung Bong-ju for slander regarding his criticisms of Lee Myung-bak. The legal battles that ensued significantly impacted his political career.


In 2008, Chung was initially sentenced to one year of imprisonment. He appealed this decision twice, but on December 22, 2011, the Supreme Court of Korea upheld the one-year prison sentence. This final ruling came at a critical time when Chung was actively preparing to run for the 2012 South Korean legislative election. The conviction also resulted in the loss of his electoral rights (피선거권 박탈_{piseongeogwon bak-tal}^Korean) for a period of ten years, effectively banning him from political activities until December 24, 2022.

Chung was incarcerated on December 26, 2011, and served his sentence at Hongseong Prison. During his imprisonment, he was placed in solitary confinement, which he described as extremely small, preventing him from stretching his arms and leaving only 12 in ^{(30 cm)} of space from his head and feet when lying down. Despite the harsh conditions, his wife visited him frequently, typically two to three times a week. He used his time in prison to exercise, build muscles, and authored several books reflecting on his experiences and political views. Chung was released on December 25, 2012, shortly after the 2012 South Korean presidential election. Despite consecutive defeats for the Democratic Unionist Party in both the general and presidential elections, he encouraged his supporters not to be disheartened.

2.4. Attempts at political return

On December 29, 2017, Chung Bong-ju received a special pardon from the newly elected President Moon Jae-in, effective December 30, which restored his electoral rights. He publicly expressed his gratitude to his supporters and the President on Twitter, stating, "Finally being pardoned! Will there be a day like today? I can't still realize it. I would like to say thank you for all citizens who brightened the Plaza last winter, as well as those who concerned me. Thank you so much, Mr. President."

Inspired by his pardon, Chung announced on February 7, 2018, his intention to rejoin the Democratic Party and launch a bid for the Seoul mayorship in the upcoming 2018 South Korean local elections. He had even established an office in Yeouido to prepare for his campaign. His official declaration was scheduled for March 7 at Gyeongui Line Forest Park, but it was abruptly postponed following a report by the online news outlet Pressian alleging that he had sexually harassed a female university student in 2011. On March 19, his request to rejoin the Democratic Party was officially rejected due to these mounting controversies. Nine days later, on March 28, he formally withdrew his mayoral bid and announced his retirement from politics, declaring that he would "return to being a natural person."

However, on December 6, 2019, Yonhap News Agency reported that the Democratic Party had secretly approved his application for re-entry on November 28. Chung later clarified that this decision was made quietly to avoid burdening the party. He subsequently launched a bid to run for the Seoul Gangseo 1st constituency in the 2020 South Korean legislative election, but he was ultimately disqualified by the party due to persistent controversies.

On February 28, 2020, Chung announced the formation of a new political party called the Open Democratic Party (열린민주당^Korean). He criticized the existing Democratic Party, asserting that it was "not the real Democrats" due to its adoption of more conservative approaches and its perceived ineffective response to opposition parties. While the Open Democratic Party was criticized by some as a "satellite party" designed to support the Democratic Party, Chung denied this accusation and stated that he would not stand for election in the upcoming general election. More recently, on March 11, 2024, Chung Bong-ju won the Democratic Party's primary for the Gangbuk District-Eul constituency in Seoul, defeating incumbent Park Yong-jin. However, his nomination was later revoked by the party due to past controversial remarks, preventing him from participating in the 2024 general election.

3.1. "Naneun Kkomsuida" and podcast activities

From 2010 to November 2011, Chung Bong-ju appeared alongside Kim Eo-jun on HaniTV's online program, 'Chung Bong-ju's PSI'. In 2011, he became a co-host of the highly popular and influential satirical podcast Naneun Kkomsuida (나는 꼼수다_{I'm a Deceitful Person}^Korean) with Kim Eo-jun, Kim Yong-min, and Joo Jin-woo. The podcast gained immense popularity, significantly boosting Chung's public profile. On the show, he would famously introduce himself as "Chung Bong-ju, the great politician and 17th Member of the National Assembly, owner of fatal charm, based in Gongneung-dong and Wolgye-dong in Nowon District."

The show's success led to a massive increase in his public recognition and support. His fan club, "Chung Bong-ju and Future Powers" (정봉주와 미래권력들^Korean), grew from approximately 2,000 members when the podcast began to over 208,000 by December 2012. However, this popularity also brought legal issues, as the operator of his fan club was indicted for violating election laws in 2012. After his release from prison, Chung continued his podcasting career, launching "Chung Bong-ju's Jeon-guk-gu" (정봉주의 전국구^Korean) in January 2014. In 2011, he was awarded the 21st Democratic Media Award Main Prize.

3.2. Broadcast appearances and hosting

Beyond podcasts, Chung Bong-ju has been a regular presence on various television and radio programs, often serving as a host or key commentator:

• From mid-2018 onwards, Chung Bong-ju became active on YouTube, producing political content that allowed him to maintain a public presence and continue engaging in political discourse following his declared retirement from politics.
• Since October 24, 2016, he has been an MC for 'Chung Bong-ju's Pumgyeok-sidae' (정봉주의 품격시대_{Chung Bong-ju's Age of Dignity}^Korean) on tbs TV.
• From December 27, 2016, he began hosting 'Oebujadeul' (외부자들_Outsiders^Korean) on Channel A.
• He also appeared on tvN's 'Yua Dokjon' (유아독존_{Unique One}^Korean) from September 9 to December 3, 2017.
• Since November 3, 2017, he has been featured on TV Chosun's 'Gujo Sinho Signal' (구조신호 시그널_{Rescue Signal Signal}^Korean).
• On radio, he became the DJ for 'Chung Bong-ju's Jeongchi Show' (정봉주의 정치쇼_{Chung Bong-ju's Political Show}^Korean) on SBS Love FM from March 6, 2017.

3.3. Writings

Chung Bong-ju is the author of several books, some of which were written during his period of imprisonment, reflecting on his political experiences, legal battles, and personal life. His published works include:

• Run, Chung Bong-ju: I'm a Deceitful Person Round 2, Raw Talk, Floating with Lighter Politics (달려라 정봉주^Korean) (November 30, 2011)
• I'm a Deceitful Person 1 (World's Only Ga-ka-dedicated Current Affairs Novel Collection) (나는 꼼수다1^Korean) (January 10, 2012)
• BBK Complete Conquest (Chung Bong-ju's Book Published from Prison) (BBK 완전정복^Korean) (March 2, 2012)
• Don't Cry, Chung Bong-ju (Chung Bong-ju's Prison Essay) (울지마 정봉주^Korean) (April 9, 2012)
• I'm a Deceitful Person 2 (World's Only Ga-ka-dedicated Current Affairs Novel Collection) (나는 꼼수다2^Korean) (April 10, 2012)
• Rise Up, Kihun (일어나라 기훈아^Korean) (December 25, 2012), co-authored with Lee Wan-bae.
• Evolution Theory of Republic of Korea (대한민국 진화론^Korean) (February 12, 2013), co-authored with Ji Seung-ho.
• The Small Room Will Make You Muscular! (골방이 너희를 몸짱 되게 하리라!^Korean) (April 23, 2013)

4.1. Sexual harassment allegations

On March 6, 2018, an online news outlet, Pressian, published an interview with a female journalist who alleged that Chung Bong-ju had sexually harassed her on December 23, 2011, just three days before he was imprisoned. According to her account, they first met on November 1, 2011, at one of Chung's speeches, where she approached him for a photograph. They exchanged contact information, and their relationship developed into a closer acquaintance. However, she claimed that Chung began sending her persistent messages, making her and her friends feel uncomfortable.

On December 23, the day after his one-year jail sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court, Chung reportedly contacted her again, insisting on meeting at the Lexington Hotel Yeouido (now Kensington Hotel), as he "really wanted to see her before entering to prison." She agreed to the meeting, feeling sympathy for his situation. Upon arrival, she noted that the room had been booked under a third party's name, not hers or Chung's. Inside the room, she alleged that Chung asked her personal questions, such as "Do you have a boyfriend?", before hugging her and attempting to kiss her. She immediately fled the room.

After the Pressian article was widely disseminated, Chung initially denied the sexual harassment, though he acknowledged that he had met the woman at the hotel. He harshly criticized the woman for "writing a perfect novel." Shortly thereafter, he altered his statement, claiming he had never been to the hotel at that time. Pressian subsequently published refutation articles, further detailing the woman's claims and questioning Chung's alibi, including reports that he had sent messages implying a romantic interest and asking if she could visit him in the early hours of the morning.

On March 12, 2018, Chung Bong-ju held a press conference, vehemently denouncing the Pressian article as a "lie" and a "national scam." The following day, he filed a lawsuit against the journalists who reported the case. However, just two weeks later, on March 28, he withdrew the charges after reports emerged that he had, in fact, used his own credit card at the Lexington Hotel on December 23, 2011. The very next day, he announced his retirement from politics.

In the subsequent legal proceedings, the prosecution demanded a sentence of ten months imprisonment and a fine of 2.00 M KRW on charges of false accusation (무고 혐의_mugohyeomui^Korean) against the journalist. However, on October 25, 2019, Chung was acquitted at the first trial. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the sexual harassment allegations were false.

4.2. Prosecution lawsuit related to BBK investigation

In December 2007, during the 17th presidential election campaign, Chung Bong-ju, then a 17th National Assembly member of the United New Democratic Party, critically asserted that the prosecution had intentionally omitted Kim Kyung-jun's handwritten memo, which he claimed indicated BBK belonged to Lee Myung-bak, and that the investigation was "tailored" and "shoddy." In response, the prosecution filed a lawsuit against Chung, demanding 280.00 M KRW in damages for defamation.

In the first trial, the court ruled partially in favor of the prosecution, ordering Chung to pay 16.00 M KRW. However, the appellate court overturned this decision on April 26, 2011, ruling in favor of Chung. The appellate court stated that "monitoring and criticizing the prosecution's investigation results as a Member of the National Assembly is a legitimate activity," and that "raising questions based on some evidence, such as Kim's memo, was not deemed to have significantly lost its validity." This ruling affirmed his right to criticize official investigations as part of his legislative duties.

4.3. Election campaign controversy during imprisonment

On June 13, 2013, the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office's Andong branch indicted Chung Bong-ju without detention for allegedly engaging in election campaigning while incarcerated. The charge stemmed from his alleged support for a specific candidate, Lee Su-ho, in the 2012 Seoul Superintendent of Education election. The Local Education Autonomy Act prohibits individuals serving a sentence of imprisonment or higher from participating in education superintendent election campaigns.

Despite being held at Hongseong Prison in December 2012, Chung wrote a letter expressing his support for Lee Su-ho, which Lee's campaign then publicized through the media. On October 25, 2013, the Seoul Northern District Court sentenced Chung to a fine of 2.00 M KRW in the first trial. This decision was upheld on appeal by the Seoul High Court on December 11, 2013, which also imposed a 2.00 M KRW fine. Chung was later included in a special pardon by the Moon Jae-in administration on December 30, 2017.

5.1. General elections

5.2. Local elections