State prosecutors have been questioning Cho’s wife Chung Kyung-sim, his brother, and other relatives about certain financial investments and possible falsifications that helped the couple’s daughter get into an elite Korean university. Â
Cho’s wife in particular has been suspected of forging a certificate to enroll their daughter into medical school.Â
Cho was appointed in September despite the doubts over his family. For weeks, protesters have called for his removal, while counter-protesters have alleged that he is being targeted by prosecutors who are only seeking to protect their own power.Â
"I judged I should not add a burden to the president and the government regarding my family affairs. I think the time has come for me to step down for the successful completion of prosecution reform," Cho said in a statement.
President Moon Jae-in apologized on Monday for the conflict caused by the appointment after having accepted Cho’s resignation.Â
